Hashtag United 3, Tilbury 1

TILBURY took the short trip down the A13 to the Len Salmon Stadium to face former tenants Hashtag United on Saturday, 17 September.

The visitors started the game on the front foot and managed to take the lead inside 12 minutes. A throw into the middle of the pitch by Oliver Plunkett found Chris Millar who shrugged off his man and carried the ball goalward. The midfielder then unleashed an absolute rocket of a half volley from 25 yard out that hammered the underside of the bar before bouncing down to cross the line, right in front of the travelling fans in the Bert Warner stand, and to put the Dockers ahead in this derby.

The home side looked to hit back quickly through the wide areas as Kojo Apenteng found Billy Willis on the overlap. Willis dug out a good cross from the right-hand side to find Teniola whose first touch sets the ball in the air as the striker attempted an acrobatic finish, which was narrowly wide of the post. Just a minute later though, Hashtag would get what they deserved as a scramble in the box after Tilbury failed to clear their lines, would see players lining up to take the shot.

It was eventually Kojo Apenteng who pulled the trigger with a calm finish slotted past Tilbury keeper Finlay Thackaway, despite being under pressure from multiple defenders.

The 28th minute saw the away side create a chance to regain their lead, as a long goal kick by Thackaway was met by Kurt Smith who pulled out a great flick on to find the advancing Alex Clark. Clark's weaving run goalward, and quick feet saw him get past his man and into the box. He then laid off Tom Salter, but his first-time effort was tame and made for a comfortable save for James Philp.

The Tags thought they had finally taken the lead on the half hour as a shot from distance was deflected by a Hashtag player, which sent the ball spiralling in the air. Jermaine Francis was fastest to react, poking the ball through the goalkeeper's legs. The flag stayed down, and the fans thought they had got their second goal of the game.

However, after some arguments from the Tilbury players, and a short conversation between the officials, the referee overruled the decision in favour of offside, and the score line remained level.

The hosts came out from the break a very eager side and Tilbury looked to be holding on as an early corner was met by Haysom and had to be cleared off the line by Isaac Nkosi.

It didn't take the home side long to find their goal though, as Harry Haysom was able to put his side a goal to the good in the 54th minute. The returning defender found himself in unchartered territory on the edge of the box as Max Cornhill set him up for a first-time strike, which Haysom kept low and drilled into the bottom right-hand corner.

Thackaway was able to get a touch on it, but his hand was not enough to preven this side going behind.

In the 73rd minute, Alex Clark and Chris Millar linked up well on the left-hand side to make advancements down the flank. Clark received the ball and went on a mesmerising run, somehow keeping a hold of the ball, as he danced through three defenders. The winger then used his blistering pace to get past his man before attempting an audacious chip, however the backpedalling goalkeeper was able to just tip his shot over the bar.

However, Hashtag's pressure would eventually tell as a deep cross by Willis was not dealt with by a Tilbury man at the back post. The ball would fall kindly for Pedro Carvalho, who emphatically fired home from close range to give his side a two-goal lead, and to this derby to bed.

Despite their unbeaten run coming to an end, the Dockers are back in action at the EMR Stadium on Tuesday 20th September as they face Hullbridge Sports at 7:45pm. The club would also like to let fans know, that on October, 1 Thurrock Mind will be at our home fixture raising funds for their charity. Any donations would be greatly appreciated and will be going to a great cause