Tilbury 2-1 Walthamstow
Walthamstow were defeated on Bank Holiday Monday after a 2-1 loss away at Tilbury.
By Stow’s standards, it was a poor performance letting Tilbury into the game too easily and giving them multiple opportunities to extend their lead.
The hosts nearly went in front inside the first ten minutes, when a ball played across the face of goal found striker Charlie Stimson who was denied from close range by Stow goalkeeper Luke Mewitt.
Five minutes after, Tilbury took the lead. Former Stow defender Joe Elliott and his long throw caused trouble for the Stow backline, as it landed for striker Stimson who was denied by Mewitt, but it fell for Bobby Rea who found the net.
Stow straight away looked to get back into the game, getting forward well but unable to produce anything in the final third. Attempts to play the ball into striker James Collins were either collected by Tilbury goalkeeper Connor Wheatley or out for a goal kick. It wasn’t the best afternoon for Stow attacking wise. Their highlight of the first half was Gassem Benelghazi playing a brilliant outside the foot pass towards Shaun Mavididi on the left hand side, who cut inside onto his right foot which eventually arose to Tilbury getting the ball back.
Tilbury could’ve been 3-0 up before half time with some big chances being wasted. Soumen Nandi fired over from close range, and right back Jonathan Nzengo sprinted down the right hand side but shanked his shot wide of the post.
Nzengo wouldn’t have to wait long to find the net, just three minutes into the second half. The defender latched onto a long ball from Malaki Toussaint and fired past Luke Mewitt to double the Dockers’ advantage.
The hosts continued to dominate and take control of the game. Ben Allen’s effort was saved by Mewitt but came out to goalscorer Bobby Rea who fired the ball over the crossbar. Allen had a free kick right outside the penalty area in the 72nd minute, which was deflected agonizingly wide of the post.
Stow did find the net ten minutes from time, giving the players and travelling supporters a glimmer of hope. Substitute Luke Warner-Eley’s corner was punched into the air by goalkeeper Wheatley leading to a goalmouth scramble and being tapped home by Joden Trickett.
The blues came close to an equaliser but were denied from close range. Jared Small’s deep cross found Tayo Oyebola at the far post, but his effort was blocked and cleared by defender Joe Elliott. It was a vital chance for Stow to salvage a point.
Walthamstow now have a weeks break, with no game scheduled on the 5th September. Their next game is on Saturday 12th September in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy, where they will find out their opponents tomorrow afternoon.