Tilbury 4, Waltham Abbey 1

AFTER disappointing results and a tough period for Dockers, which saw elimination from the FA Cup and FA Trophy in successive weeks, it was back to Isthmian North action at home to Waltham Abbey on Saturday (28 September) and home fans were give plenty to lift spirits thanks to an emphatic victory.

Tilbury had failed to score in their last three matches and conceded nine goals so Joint managers Marc Harrison and Liam Wallace took action in search of a change in fortunes and brought in two experienced players on loan.

Experienced goalkeeper David Hughes, who numbers East Thurrock United and Aveley among the pantheon of clubs with whom he has enjoyed promotion, has come in from Hashtag United on an initial six week loan and Alex Hernandez adds potency up top after signing on a dual registration from National league South neighbours Aveley.

Guests were briefed on latest developments at Chadfields at a hospitality event in conjunction with Tony's Noted Pie and Mash.

So, hopes were high for the majority of the 294 in attendance at the kick-off, particularly after an inaugural sponsorship event with hospitality from partners Tony's Noted Pie and Mash which was enjoyed by a number of guests.

The team were accompanied on the pitch by mascots Tilbury U11s Tornadoes and all seemed set fair – only for the Abbots to quickly dampen the mood through an experienced player of their own as a long throw into the box from the right-hand side was well-won by much-travelled Jason Hallet, who headed home from 10 yards for a ninth minute lead.

Tilbury U11s Tornadoes.

But grimaces on the home terraces quickly turned to grins as the hosts hit back on 17 minutes through debutant Hernandez, who battled excellently to force himself through with just keeper Bradley Robinson to beat which he calmly did to get his side back level.

Waltham Abbey had a chance before the break to go back ahead as Thomas Kymani chopped his way past defenders before looking to slot the ball into the far corner. However, Macauley Joynes was on hand to make a goal-line clearance and deny the attacker.

It was to be a vital and pivotal moment.

Six minutes into the second half Sam Bantick put Dockers ahead with a beauty of a strike into the top right-hand corner following Jamie Reynolds' clever quick free kick.

And on the hour Bantick doubled Tilbury's lead and his tally for the day with an outrageous effort from just inside the opposition's half. Robinson managed to catch the strike but his momentum carried him back and over the line.

The game was sealed in the dying moments as Dan Trendall won the ball high up the pitch and fed a pass to Kieran Jones inside the penalty area. Jones fired his shot low and past Robinson to put Waltham Abbey to bed and Tilbury picked up a much-needed three points.

Up to an including Saturday, 28 September.

Dockers are quickly back in league action on Monday (30 September) when they travel to meet Redbridge at the Techsoc.com Stadium (7.45pm).