Tilbury 0, Coggeshall Town 0

THIS Isthmian North clash at Chadfields was a desperately disappointing affair with chances at either end at a premium and very little quality on show from either side.

The visitors have already acquuired a reputation for bening a dour side who are hard to break down and committed to a rugged style of play.

Knowing that, Tilbury ought to have had a game plan - but if they did it was either not implemented or forgotten.

Both sides cancelled each other out in a turgid display - the only commendation going to the Tilbury groundstaff who had worked wonders on a pitch that was virtually unplayable just a week or so ago!

Not that either side used the grass much in a game devoid of creativity or guile.

The consolation for Tilbury is that they retained their unbeaten league record but that did come at a price. They lost Damian Siemienczuk to a nasty - and bloody - facial injury on the half hour and in the closing stages Roman Campbel picked up an ankle injury, while Alex Clark came off worst in a robust collision that left him with a sore back and rather badly dazed.

All three must be serious doubts for Monday's derby at East Thurrock United.

Clark had actually produced the games only memorable moment on 65 minutes when he picked the ball up halfway insid the Coggehsall half and drove towards goal with an angled run that ending with a thumping shot that cannoned off the upright.

Other than that, neither keeper was significantly troubled and the only other moment of note came right at the death when referee Dele Sotimirin, who was constantly well behind play and rarely left the midfield area, somehow failed to give Town what seemed a stonewall penalty after Dquame Copeland flattened Daniel Ogunleye in the box. It was an escape for Tilbury who will now have to regroup quickly and may even have to bring in new players for the short trip to Rookery Hill.