Hawks bow out of Essex Senior Cup

The match lacked a cutting edge with neither side creating much in the way of clear-cut chances, and the most notable incident of the first half was an unfortunate injury to Ed Thompson that left the stopper awaiting an ambulance.

The second half improved on the pitch, but still neither side could find a breakthrough and the match was decided from the penalty spot after 90 minutes. Tilbury held firm in the sudden death shootout, progressing to the Quarter Final stage of the competition.

There was little to cheer in a foggy first half, and it took 20 minutes before there was a real effort at goal. Ryan Melaugh’s cross found Leon Antoine in the six yard box, but he couldn’t trouble the goalkeeper as the ball flew over the crossbar.

Tony Martin went closest for the hosts when his shot from the edge of the area was tipped over the crossbar. From the resulting corner Martin had another effort, but he put his shot wide of the post.

With half-time approaching, Khale da Costa sent a low cross into the box, but Bamba Ngamb sliding in couldn’t keep it down and the shot went just over the bar.

In the first minute of injury time, Hawks goalkeeper Ed Thompson came out for a routine clearance, but his foot remained planted as he kicked the ball, dislocating his kneecap and leaving the stopper prone on the floor. The referee sensibly blew for half-time, allowing Thompson to receive immediate treatment, but with a serious looking injury an ambulance was called to transport him to hospital.

HT: Tilbury 0-0 Harlow Town

Harlow came out with more purpose in the second half, and soon after the restart Khale da Costa sent Bamba Ngamb behind the defence. Tony Martin did well to chase back and dispossess the striker as he was about to shoot.

The Hawks had the better of the chances, with Leon Antoine and Bamba Ngamb both missing the target and failing to test the goalkeeper.

Fabion Simms saw a 25 yard effort head just over the crossbar, before Layne Eadie’s 81st minute shot from a cleared corner was blocked by defender Eli Beniot in front of goal.

The final minutes ticked away with little more action and the game headed to penalties. David Hughes saved well from Neil Richmond to give the Hawks the advantage, but when Ryan Melaugh saw his spot kick saved it went to sudden death.

Syrus Gordon’s effort went over the bar, and Tilbury converted their final effort to take the win 6-5 on penalties.

FT: Tilbury 0-0 Harlow Town
PENALTIES: Tilbury 6-5 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 53

Attention now moves to the FA Trophy 1st Round, when the Hawks entertain National League side Eastleigh on Saturday 10th December. It’s a 3pm kick off.