Tonbridge 2 Tunbridge Wells 1

Match 05/09/757 - Wednesday, 29th July 2009 - Courier Cup

Tonbridge (1) 2 Booth 14, Cade 62
Tunbridge Wells (1) 1 Lord 39
Att. 228

Entrance: £6
Programme: 50p
Mileage: 26/291

Match Report

On a wet night and following an announcement from the Met Office stating the bleeding obvious that the forecast that we should expect an “odds-on barbeque summer” was rather wide of the mark, Tonbridge manager Tommy Warrilow chose a half-strength side to contest the Courier Cup against neighbours Tunbridge Wells.

The half that were first team regulars ultimately was the difference between the sides, but there was some eye-catching performances from some of the Angels’ youngsters that made up the side.

Particularly impressive was Charlie Sharman, a fleet-footed winger, whose speed was instrumental in both Tonbridge goals. Not that Tonbridge had the game all their own way during the first half and first choice keeper, Lee Worgan was forced to make acrobatic tip-over saves from Mike Lord and Alex Rich.

Sharman’s speed on 14 minutes set up the opening the goal. A through ball saw Michael Czanner rush from his goal, but his clearance came off Sharman and rebounded to Paul Booth, who composed himself before sliding the ball into the open goal.

Tunbridge Wells profited from a mistake by young full back George Crimmen whose back pass was woefully underhit. Mike Lord showed similar experience to that of Booth when he seized on the opportunity and although his first two attempts was parried by Worgan, he eventually scored at the third attempt.

The home side had much the better of the second period and following a superb pass from Booth, Jamie Cade was able to finish clinically.

It might well have been thought a shade disrespectful on his Kent League opponents that a weakened side was fielded but with another fixture within 24 hours at Thamesmead, Warrilow took the opportunity to look at some of the kids that might well be squad players this term with the reduced budget he has. As well as Sharman, Luke Blewden, son of Tonbridge legend, Colin, showed up well and there was a composed performance in central defence from Jack Parkes.