Lowestoft 3, Tilbury 2

RELEGATION battlers Lowestoft came from behind to undo Dockers' efforts to help out neighbours and tenants Grays on Saturday (4 April).

The Trawlerboys have had an unexpectedly poor season and find themselves mired in the relegation battle alongside Grays in the Isthmian North.

So a win for Tilbury would have been a boost for Grays - and for a while it looked on.

Tilbury took the lead after just six minutes when Tyler Forbes latched onto the ball on the edge of the six yard box, controlled it and lashed it past the dive of keeper Ben Self.

Dockers took the lead into the break after a half of few chances but Lowestoft came out fired up for the second stanza. Dockers keeper Billy Lawler pulled off a good save and Lowestoft hit the bar before scores were levelled on 51 minutes when a cross was turned into the visitors' net by a Dockers player.

Tilbury made a triple change as Jake Brocklebank, Dan Trendall and Josh Taylor replaced Luke Northwood, Ayo Odukoya and Ronnie Winn but the impetus remained with Lowestoft, who were awarded a penalty just before the hour.  

Aaron Bullent hit the post with the spot kick and Kyle Haylock blazed the rebound over the bar.

However, Lowestoft claimed the lead on 62 minutes when Luca Upton get in ahead of Lawlor to prod the ball home.

Joe Elliott though he had equalised with a close range header on 77 minutes but it was disallowed for a foul on the keeper, which looked a very marginal decision.

The home lead was extended on 82 minutes through Kyle Haylock.

There was a milestone for Tilbury's Alfie Fry came off the bench with five minutes remaining, his 100th appearance for Dockers.

And he was able to join in the celebrations when Tilbury got one back deep in added time when Soumen Nandi controlled the ball and slotted it home - but it was too little to late, to affect the outcome.

Tilbury thoughts now turn to Monday's 'El Chavico' derby when they host Grays at Chadfields.