A goal in each half ensured that Dereham got back to winning ways after their 3-0 defeat at Cheshunt at the weekend.
They took an early fortuitous lead when home defender Courtney McLean could only divert a pass from Luke Tuttle into his own net after keeper Ricky Milard's poor clearance in the sixth minute.
Tilbury missed a good chance when striker De'Juane Taylor-Crossdsle latched onto some slack defending before firing into the side netting when well placed.
Ryan Hawkins fizzed an effort inches over the bar from just inside the box and the Magpies enjoyed a slender lead after an uneventful first half.
Hawkins came close again just after the break curling a right footer around the post after receiving Tuttle's measured pass.
Toby Hilliard came on and immediately was involved in a nasty clash of heads with Tilbury's Jake Pooley. Both players had to leave the field and as play recommenced after a lengthy delay Hawkins went close three times before the win was sealed in the 88th minute, when Louis Mason found Hawkins, who rolled the ball towards Tuttle, who side-footed home.
Tilbury: R Milard, J Obersteller, E Johnson, C McLean, J Nightingill, J Christou, F Babloa. J Carlise, D Taylor-Crossdsle, J May, R Flack. Subs: J Pooley, T Hubbard, B Vaughan, B Webb, D Aldwinckle.
Dereham: A Wilton, G Watts-sturrock, F Blake-Tracey, L Sturman, C Greenslade, J Eastoe-Smith, A Kay, L Mason, C Bussens, LTuttle, R Hawkins. Subs: M Howard, T Hilliard, L Upton.
Referee: Mr B Gill
Attendance: 48
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