Dagenham & Redbridge 2, Tilbury 0

THOUGH they eventually lost at National League South Dagenham & Redbridge, Tilbury could hold their heads high after a sterling performance at the Chigwell Construction Stadium in the FA Trophy second round today (Saturday, 15 November). 

The match was goalless at halftime, though Dockers did go close through Tobias Braney  on 22 minutes when he forced Sam Howes to make a strong save from close range.

Nothing separated the sides at half time but Daggers were reduced to ten men when George Marsh was sent off on 57 minutes for a reckless foul on Jack Hayes, with sub and former England international Andy Carroll introduced soon after for the hosts - to a 'rousing' reception from more than 300 travelling Tilbury fans. 

And he was to have an almost immediate on 68 minutes when a corner was delivered deep to the back post and he won a header and played the ball down to Christian Maghoma who bundled it over the line to give the ten men the lead. 

Tilbury battled gamely for an equaliser and with 18 minutes remaining Darren Phillips' header was goalbound, only to be cleared off the line by - who else?  That man Carroll!

Dockers never gave in and pressed their hosts literally to beyond the last minute.

Play was deep into eight minutes of added time when Daggers finally put the outcome beyond doubt, when Dylan Stephenson got the hosts' second.

 Tilbury got a tremendous post match reception from their travelling supporters and the end and manager George Chistou said he 'couldn't have been more proud of the lads."