Grays Athletic 0 Tilbury 1

FIVE hundred and sixty seven hardy souls gathered at Chadfields on Saturday (27 december) to watch the latest 'El Chavico' – a competitive clash between decades-old rivals Grays and Tilbury.

They weren't rewarded with lots of goals but the was keenly contested and in the end the difference was a goalkeeping mistake and a late, late save.

Tilbury included new signing Issa Sidibe, who joined Dockers from Hackney Wick, and he made an appearance of the bench for the last 16 minutes.

Dockers came close to taking the lead after 20 minutes, when Lester Ward's corner found Joe Elliott. However, the defender's powerful header was straight into the gloves of George Marsh.

Tilbury with their pre-match mascots

The former Tilbury shot-stopper was called into action again as Ronnie Winn delivered a flat free-kick towards the near post. Marsh was beaten to the ball by Tobias Braney, but the eventual shot on the turn was well saved.

Tilbury worked the ball forward again before the break, with Braney receiving the ball inside the area with his back to goal and a defender behind him. The forward took his first touch on the swivel and hit a snapshot, which was once again denied by Marsh.

After the break, it was a similar story, with Forbes being released by Alfie Fry through the middle. Forbes drove forward and worked the ball onto his right foot before drilling a strike towards the far corner.

However, Marsh was alert to make another important stop.

The 'visitors' continued to knock on the door, and on the hour mark, some dazzling skill from Braney on the left wing saw him disappear from the full back with a nutmeg, which opened the space for a shot. His effort was full of venom, but the strike was blocked and put out of play.

But, after making so many vital saves, Marsh made a mistake from the resultant corner and the ball dropped kindly for Joe Elliott to poke home from close range and give Dockers the lead.

Right at the death, the Blues had an opportunity to draw level, when Michael Bareck's pass split the defence and left James Sasere in space inside the penalty area. His effort was low towards the near bottom corner, but Dion Henry was down quickly to deny the Grays substitute and Dockers had the ocal bragging rights.

Both sides are back in action on Saturday (3 January) when Tilbury will play host to second-placed Maldon & Tiptree, while Grays go to Witham Town.