From the Premier League, to the Champions League, to...Bostik North?

By Ian Townsend

Former Newcastle, Portsmouth and Olympiacos star turns out for the Dockers

Tilbury boasted a former Premier League striker in their side as they beat Hashtag United in front of 329 fans at Chadfields on Monday evening. Lomana LuaLua, he of the acrobatic backflip, played the second half of the 1-0 win over the YouTube team set to enter the Thurlow Nunn League Division One South this season.

LuaLua featured for the Isthmian North side after contacting Dockers boss and friend Joe Keith, who was coming through the Colchester United ranks when LuaLua made his breakthrough with the U’s before securing a £2.25million move to Sir Bobby Robson’s Newcastle in 2000. However, the only goal of the game came from a Tilbury regular in the first half.

The pre-season friendly was preceded by a minute’s applause in memory of lifelong Dockers supporter Mavis Billinghurst, who recently passed away. Hashtag United goalkeeper Andy Jeffs-Watt presented Tilbury captain Jack Carlile with flowers, on behalf of his club, in memory of Billinghurst just before kick-off; a gesture that was well received by the Dockers faithful.

Tilbury v Hashtag United

Tilbury v Hashtag United

The flowers were then laid on the terraces where Billinghurst would have stood.

The only goal of the game came on 13 minutes, when striker Adam Vyse found the back of the net. Former Congo international LuaLua, 37, emerged for the second half and showed much skill on the ball, but the frontman- who played in the clash with his son- was unable to notch a goal on his Dockers debut.

Words from Anthony Mercer. Pictures from Milly Mercer.

Where next?

Bostik Supporters Predictions 18/19: Maldon & Tiptree Dave Garwood introduces the new campaign through the eyes of Maldon & Tiptree. And advises on Bob avoidance.
Bostik Supporters Predictions 18/19: Hythe Town Tom Moon hopes to help fire the Cannons to promotion.

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