Tilbury FC came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Wingate & Finchley in a closely contested Velocity Cup Third Round tie, with both sides creating numerous chances and showing resilience throughout.
The Blues started brightly, opening the scoring in the 9th minute when number 10 Ryan Lowe unleashed a powerful shot from 20 yards that soared into the top left corner, putting the home side 1-0 up. It was a brilliant strike.
Tilbury responded with several attempts but couldn’t break down the home side’s defence until the second half.
After halftime, Tilbury found the equalizer in the 57th minute. Their number 9 Alex Hernandez struck a low shot from distance into the bottom left corner, levelling the score at 1-1. The Blues pushed forward, but Tilbury’s defence held firm, and a yellow card to opening goal scorer Lowe showed the mounting pressure on both sides.
In the 80th minute, Tilbury took the lead. A free kick from the edge of the box allowed Hernandez to skilfully place one past Fergal Hale Brown in the Wingate and Finchley goal, making it 2-1. The Blues fought hard for an equalizer and nearly scored in the 87th minute, but Ogo Obi’s shot narrowly missed.
Tilbury held on during added time, surviving Wingate’s late efforts to equalize, and advance to the Fourth Round where they will face Hendon.
And despite the result, it was a positive night for the club, as there was a full debut handed to youngster Ronan Ismaili, as well first appearances for club youth players Osei and Behe. Everyone around the club can look forward to the bright future that exists here!
Next up for the Blues is an away trip to Brighton on Saturday to face Whitehawk, before hosting Chatham at Summers Lane on Tuesday 19th.
Wingate & Finchley: Hale Brown; Cracknell; Webb; Achuba (Behe 90’); Frempah (Hernandez 63’); Iontton (Osei 64’); Garrett-Douglas; Ismaili (Obi 78’); Briscoe; Lowe; Drakes-Thomas
Unused Subs: Byron
By Noah Bercott
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