Tilbury 3, Takeley 0

WHISPER it carefully but there may be a wind of change blowing through Chadfields as Tilbury not only produced a comfortable win to ensure their first back-to-back victory in weeks, they fielded an unchanged starting line-up for Saturday's (21 February) clash and produced a confidence-boosting performance.

There's still a big gap between the improving Dockers and the play-off zone in the Isthmian North but promotion surges are often built on confidence and self-belief and that may be growing in the Tilbury squad.

In fairness, struggling Takeley were never going to be the litmus test for a Dockers promotion charge - but they needed to be put away. and that's often been a stumbling block in an inconsistent season - but not this weekend.

It took the home side just five minutes to stamp their authority on the match when Dan Trendall was played through on the left and he produced an exquisite finish to lift the ball over visiting keeper Jarvis Monk.

The lead was doubled on 26 minutes when Ronnie Winn's corner found Jake Brocklebank, who headed home.

Tilbury were walked out by mascots Tilbury FC u8's Tigers!

Several other chances came Dockers' way before the break but went astray, though the comfort was there was little threat to Billy Lawlor in the home goal.

The second half was delayed while a medical emergency in the crowd was dealt with, with thanks expressed to First Responders who acted quickly.

To their credit Takeley came out strongly and Lawlor was forced to make a fine save to keep out an effort from Jayden Silcott-Brown.

However, hopes of a Takeley comeback were dashed just after the hour when they were reduced to ten men after George Pullen picked up a second yellow and was dismissed.

Goalscorer Joe Elliott

And the game was put beyond them on 65 minutes when Kieran Jones' corner was met by a defender, but he could only clear it out as far as Joe Elliott, who smashed his volley into the back of the net.

From then on Dockers were in cruise control and they gave run-outs to several on the bench, including Fenton Tucker, who made his league debut for Dockers. 

Tilbury are next in action on Saturday, 28 February when they go to mid-table Walthamstow.