Tilbury 0, Chelmsford City 2

A VISIBLE gulf in class separated two sides at Chadfields on Saturday, where Tilbury made a dignified, but slightly disappointing exit from the FA Cup.

It had been an exciting journey for Dockers fans in the build up to Saturday's Second Qualifying Round tie against National League South Chelmsford City, with thrilling fightbacks and lots of drama.

This was a more sedate encounter though, played out in front of 629 fans.

Due to injury troubles and suspensions, Dockers' line-up saw multiple changes as Igli Metalia, Connor Martin and Jordan Clark featured in the starting 11.

New face, Joe Last, was joined on the bench by Jack McQueen who also returned to action following an injury.

The game's first chance went the way of the Clarets as Jordan Greenidge battled his way through two defenders before seeing his close-range effort saved by Christian North.

City went close to opening the scoring as Kalala's early cross found Charlie Ruff who rose well but headed just wide.

However, the visitors would finally open the scoring in the 36th minute as a low corner was flicked on to Ruff who was lurking around the goal-line before heading home from close range.

And Chelmsford's skipper, quickly got his name on the scoresheet once again as for a second time he was waiting by the far post where he had the easy job of poking the ball over the line.

Another corner was a problem for the Dockers as the ball just evaded the gloves of North and created a scramble in the penalty area before a clearance off the line.

After the break, Tilbury thought they had pulled a goal back as Sam Bantick's first-time volley beautifully finished off Igli Metalia's long cross, but the celebrations were cut short by the linesman's flag.

Clarets continued to be the side creating problems as the goalscorer, Ruff, almost turned provider when his outrageous rabona cross found Greenidge who headed over from six yards out.

Substitute, Kane Critchlow came close to adding a third for the visitors as his weaving run opened up space for the shot on the left-hand side of the area. However, the strike was lashed at and fired well wide.

The hosts had one final chance in the dying moments as McQueen met Oli Spooner's long throw-in but Ted Collins comfortably saved.

That was all the action at Chadfields and the two league gap between the sides showed throughout the fixture.

Dockers were scheduled to be back in action on Tuesday (17 September) at as we travel to Haringey Borough in the Isthmian first Velocity Cup match but that has been postponed as Borough have am FA Cup replay after drawing 1-1 at home with Witham Town  on Saturday.