Abbey (Dover Athletic) (1) 3 2,71,90
Hugh Christie (Tonbridge Angels) (0) 1 Barden 75
Headcount: 15
Admission: Free
Programme: None
Mileage: 76/3,165
Any Academy trip to Abbey School to face Dover Athletic is a difficult task and so it proved for Tonbridge Angels Development squad who, in defeat, put in a resilient performance. A goal down in the opening two minutes could have been dispiriting but they recovered well and should have gone into the break on level terms had it not been for an excellent penalty save from the Dover goalkeeper.
The home side caught the Angels cold when they allowed a short corner routine to find its way through to the Dover captain to score from close range.
Dom Welsh’s team responded and Isaac Barden on two occasions tested the goalkeeper with first a header from a right wing cross and then narrowly missing with an effort that went wide of the post.
Tonbridge had a great chance to bring the score level after 19 minutes when following a corner the referee ruled that Barden had been pushed to the ground. The striker took the spot kick himself but the Dover keeper read his shot and saved well, low to his left.
Buoyed by the reprieve, Dover went on to dominate the rest of the half with the Angel’s goalkeeper Josh Watfa producing several saves including clawing the ball away from the top corner after the initial Dover shot had taken a wicked deflection.
The home side’s dominance continued into the early part of the second period and the Angel’s second half goalkeeper, Lewis Wilkins, made a superb double stop.
A great run from Harry Smith set up an opportunity for Henrique Motta who shot wide before Tonbridge enjoyed a major let off as Dover struck the post with the follow-up shot hitting the bar.
The lively Dover centre forward brought another good save from Wilkins before his far post header doubled their advantage after 71 minutes.
The Angels response was instant and after Joseph Moyadora had been denied by a smart save, Barden was brought down for a second penalty award which this time he buried sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Tonbridge pressed hard for an equaliser and Dover were even in need to resort to time wasting to preserve their lead as Smith and Barden brought saves but it was the home side that had the final say as their giant centre half bundled home a corner in time added.
A defeat, not unusual at Abbey School, but an encouraging performance.
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