Tilbury 0, Lowestoft Town 0

IT was all square at Chadfields on Saturday (23 August) where Tilbury, who went intothe Isthmian North clash with an unchanged side, were held by the visiting Trawlerboys.

New signing Lester Ward, signed on dual registration from Chelmsford City, was among the substitutes for Dockers, alongside the returning Jack Hayes.

The first half was very uneventful, as fans had to wait until the 30th minute for the first piece of action.

Max Appauh gained possession down the right-hand side and released David Aderibigbe on the underlap. His cross found Darren Phillips, but his header was blocked and put out of play.

Just two minutes later, Dockers came close once again as Luke Reeve found Phillips with a ball forward. The striker won his header and slotted in Appauh, but his effort was sent wide.

The game began to come to life more, and Lowestoft crafted an opportunity of his own down the right wing. A cutback cross bounced to Mitchell Belmar, who cushioned a pass to set up the shot on the edge of the area from Kyle Haylock, but Harry Fairs got down well to make the save.

And Fairs was called to action once more on the stroke of half-time, when Aaron Bullent burst through the centre of defence, with just the keeper to beat. However, Fairs came rushing out and made another crucial stop.

The hosts came close again after the break as they utilised Aderibigbe's weapon of a long throw, which caused problems for the keeper, who flapped at the ball and was unable to claim, and the ball bounced to Reeve, whose acrobatic attempt was sent over.

Once again, Aderibigbe's throw proved to cause issues for The Trawlerboys. This time, the throw made its way to the back post where Appauh was waiting. Unfortunately, he was unable to direct his strike goalward.

Dockers' pressure continued to grow, as they won a corner with 15 minutes remaining. Kieran Jones sent the set-piece towards the near post, where it was cleared away. But only as far as the substitute, Lester Ward, but the winger's shot rolled agonisingly wide of the post – and that was that!

SQUAD: Fairs, Aderibigbe, Konte, Reeve, Martin, Carter (Jones), Spooner ©, Reynolds, Appauh, Trendall (Ward), Phillips. SUBS UNUSED: Hayes, Nicholas-Davies, Akintunde.

Dockers are back in action on Monday (25 August) for a 3pm kick off, at the top of the league, Maldon & Tiptree.