Norwich United were denied victory by a controversial penalty three minutes from time against Tilbury.

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich United manager Steve Easthaugh, right, during the match against Tilbury in the Bostik North league. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYNorwich United manager Steve Easthaugh, right, during the match against Tilbury in the Bostik North league. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

The Dockers player looked to already be on his way down but the referee pointed to the spot and Jack Carlile made no mistake from 12 yards.

The Planters had led after just three minutes, a quick break saw Adam Hipperson carry the ball from deep and into the Tilbury box before squaring for Liam Jackson, who side-footed the ball home from 10 yards out.

The lead didn't last long however and a patient build up in the 12th minute saw Tom Anderson latch onto a ball through the middle and slot home from close range. Nine minutes later and the Dockers were in front, the impressive Toby Aromolaran cut in from the left and his shot was saved by Andy Wilton but it was bundled home by Charlie Little.

Nathan Stewart played in Hipperson wide on the right and his shot was tipped over by Dockers' keeper Russell Harley.

Eastern Daily Press: Action from Norwich United (blue/yellow) against Tilbury in the Bostik North league. Henry Pollock and Shaun Wones, right, for Norwich United. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYAction from Norwich United (blue/yellow) against Tilbury in the Bostik North league. Henry Pollock and Shaun Wones, right, for Norwich United. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Stewart grabbed the equaliser in the 28th minute, receiving the ball some 25 yards out, he dismissed an option of playing the ball out to the right wing, deciding to take a stride towards goal before arrowing a fine shot into the far bottom corner.

Moments later Stewart almost put the Planters in front as he brought the ball down in a crowded area before bringing a good save out of Harley.

The Planters were ahead after 34 minutes however, a long range shot from Hipperson was spilled by Harley and Jackson pounced to round the keeper and slot home from an acute angle on the left.

With the pitch getting heavier both defences adapted to the conditions after the break although Dockers' defender Siju Odelusi was lucky to escape a second yellow after an identical foul on Hipperson to that which earned his first card.

Eastern Daily Press: Action from Norwich United (blue/yellow) against Tilbury in the Bostik North league. The Tilbury goalkeeper, Russell Harley, slips which allows Liam Jackson for Norwich United to score a goal. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYAction from Norwich United (blue/yellow) against Tilbury in the Bostik North league. The Tilbury goalkeeper, Russell Harley, slips which allows Liam Jackson for Norwich United to score a goal. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

In a second half of few chances Stewart and Sam Watts were both denied by Harley, and the Planters denied the visitors a clear chance until the late penalty drama.

Whilst disappointed in not taking all the points Steve Eastaugh's team are now unbeaten in seven games.

Norwich United: Wilton, Mackie, Applegate, Wones, Eastaugh, Watts, Henery (Probert 66), Pollock (Datocampol 90), Stewart (Carroll 84), Jackson, Hipperson.

Tilbury: Harley, Odelusi (McWee 74), Turpin, Anderson, Benoit, Salami, Little, Carlile, Vyse, Aromolaran (James 48), Abebayo (Dance 60).

Eastern Daily Press: Dereham Town held league leaders AFC Hornchurch at Aldiss Park. Picture: ArchantDereham Town held league leaders AFC Hornchurch at Aldiss Park. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Referee: George Byrne. Assistants: Ryan Thurbin & Edward Frazer.

Attendance: 76

Eastern Daily Press: Action from Norwich United (blue/yellow) against Tilbury in the Bostik North league. Henry Pollock, second left, and Shaun Wones, left, for Norwich. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYAction from Norwich United (blue/yellow) against Tilbury in the Bostik North league. Henry Pollock, second left, and Shaun Wones, left, for Norwich. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: Action from Norwich United (blue/yellow) against Tilbury in the Bostik North league. Sam Applegate, left, and Henry Pollock, front centre, for Norwich United. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYAction from Norwich United (blue/yellow) against Tilbury in the Bostik North league. Sam Applegate, left, and Henry Pollock, front centre, for Norwich United. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: Cromer Town won their first match in the league for nearly two years. Picture: ArchantCromer Town won their first match in the league for nearly two years. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)