Brentwood Town 3, Tilbury 2

TILBURY were eliminated from the BBC Essex Senior Cup and their 18-game unbeaten run ended when Dockers fell victim to higher-league opposition Brentwood Town at The Arena on Tuesday (21 November) night.

The away side didn't take long to try and cause an upset, Harry Donovan scored after just 12 minutes. Roman Campbell fed the ball to Donovan who whipped it past out-of-position Melvin Minter in goal.

Brentwood leveled the scoring in the 26th minute when Alex Akrofi made a fantastic run to the near post and headed home a cross from close range.

It was level at the break, but a thrilling second half in prospect was to come for the 154 in attendance.

The Dockers started the second half well and reclaimed the lead in the 62nd minute. Tom Salter did fantastically well in midfield, turning and finding his man Donovan on the left wing who fired in a first-time low ball, which Harvey Browne tapped in at the back post.

Tilbury were nearly over the line, but couldn't hold on. The Blues scored in the 89th minute. Jon Nzengo skipped past his man and played a great through ball to Josh Rusoke who fired home.

And disaster was to follow for Dockers as they conceded a penalty in the 94th minute. Nzengo drove down the right and was brought down in the penalty area. Akrofi stepped up and converted into the bottom left corner.

There was still one last chance for Dockers after Donovan played a perfect flick round the corner to sub Dan Trendall who hit a rocket but was denied by the crossbar.

Dockers return to the EMR Stadium on Saturday (25 November) for a 3pm Essex Senior League kick-off against FC Clacton who are winless in four.