Tilbury 0, Hertford Town 0

Hertford Town won 4-3 on penalties

DOCKERS exited the FA Trophy at the first time of asking in Saturday's (29 August) first qualifying round through the frustration of losing a penalty shoot-out.

Following a goalless stalemate in the league during the week, this was the fifth consecutive match in all competitions that Tilbury have failed to score – and losing the shoot-out where they only scored three times from five attempts will have focused post-match concerns on the paucity of finishing quality in the home ranks.

Dockers made two changes to the starting 11 from Tuesday's draw with Bowers & Pitsea night, as Malaki Toussaint started in place of Troy Chiabi and keeper Connor Wheatley stepped in for the injured Billy Lawlor.

The hosts came close to opening the scoring after 20 minutes when Ronnie Winn's corner was sent towards the back post where Malaki Toussaint came flying in to attack the delivery. Unfortunately, his header was sent just wide of the target.

Tilbury continued to look the more dangerous of the two sides as Charlie Stimson's headed flick released Ben Allen, who was battling with two defenders as he carried the ball into the box. However, Josh Bowler saved his eventual strike.

Just three minutes later, Tilbury threatened again through Connor Wheatley's long kick forward, which caused trouble for the Hertford back line. Stimson did well to get the ball under control before setting it back to Allen. The midfielder's strike was hit first time, but he was unable to find the target.

On the stroke of halftime, Hertford Town were reduced to 10 men when Albert McGregor was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Bobby Rea in the middle of the park.

Despite this, it was Hertford who threatened first in the second half, as Patrick Matejko burst through with just the keeper to beat, but there was no way past Wheatley.

In the dying moments, the hosts had one last opportunity courtesy of a free-kick from the right-hand side. Chiabi's delivery was not fully cleared by the Hertford defence, but Tilbury were unable to make it count, as Joe Elliott's header flew just over the crossbar.

In the penalty shootout, despite Wheatley saving Ben Herd's spot-kick, the game went to effective sudden death after Jake Brocklebank's effort was saved. Bobby Rea stepped up to take Tilbury's fifth kick and saw his effort saved by Hertford debutant Bowler, which handed Ayo Quadri the opportunity to send his side through to the next round. And he made no mistake, firing home from the spot.

Dockers are quickly back in action on Monday (31 August) at 3pm when they host Walthamstow in the Isthmian North.