Tilbury 2, Romford 1

A FIRST Dockers goal from Sam Bantick was enough to give Tilbury the win in this friendly played out in energy-sapping heat on Saturday (20 July) at the EMR Stadium.

Romford had taken the lead with a 14th minute goal that had a touch of fortune as a long range strike was deflected by Sam Carter past his own keeper, Christian North.

There were few chances in the match but new Tilbury signing Lewis Manor headed just wide on 38 minutes and then a minute before the break, he was on target with a headed equaliser.

There was even time for him to go close again before the break but the sides ended up level at the interval.

Tilbury reshaped their side with a number of trialists after half time but it was one of the old guard, Olly Spooner who went close with an effort that struck the crossbar six minutes after the restart.

Romford also hit the woodwork before the deciding goal came from man-of-the-match Bantick eight minutes from time when he got on the end of David Knight's header back into the box.

Tilbury are back in action at Chadfields on Tuesday when they play Grays Athletic for the Stan Veness Trophy (7.45pm).