AFC Sudbury 3 Tilbury 2
AFC Sudbury produced a stunning performance to defeat the Dockers in this Bostik League North Division match at The Kings Marsh Stadium in front of 254 spectators and move to 14th in the table, writes John Campany.
Manager Mark Morsley’s investment in youth paid rich dividends with six academy players in the starting line-up and four on the bench – a 95th-winner was ample reward for the faith invested.
Morsley was delighted by the way his side overcame the more physical visitors.
He said: “I was excited by our energy and expansive football and playing through the midfield. It was non-stop effort and the late winner was achieved by playing offensively when we could so easily have settled for a point.
“Ollie Peters was immense while Ben Hunter showed character coming off the bench to give a man-of-the-match display.”
Sudbury opened with Peters crossing to Jamie Eaton-Collins who headed wide and then the impressive Mekhi McKenzie released Eaton-Collins who drove low, but Tilbury ‘keeper Clarke Bogard saved well.
As Sudbury dominated they went in front on 35 minutes when Hunter unleashed a terrific shot from the edge of the box into the roof of the net. It took just 38 seconds after the restart to extend the lead when Bogard made a partial save but the alert Jake Colclough following up, drove home.
Moments later The Dockers Adam Vyse moving forward shot but Paul Walker made a point-blank save. The home side continued to play good football with Milo Grimes and Joe Whight excellent in defence.
As the visitors exerted more pressure an 81st-minute response from Toby Aromolaran reduced the arrears after Walker had saved from Vyse.
It was a tremendous finale as Tilbury increased the tempo.
Sudbury stood firm until the 90th-minute when Vyse struck a spectacular shot from 22 yards that flew passed Walker.
In the closing moments Sudbury’s youngsters gave a positive reaction.
Hunter’s header struck the woodwork but in the fifth minute of added time they won the game with a goal of sheer class.
Colclough played the ball to Jake Clowsley who with panache turned his defender and drilled a cracking shot that went in off the post.
Referee – Mr Ollie Morris - Sanders
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