Ravens Wood (0) 1 61'
Hugh Christie (0) 0
Headcount: 10
Admission: Free
Programme: None
Mileage: 76/6,781
Wednesday 30 March 2022
Ravens Wood 1 Hugh Christie 0
Match 117/21/1981 - Wednesday, 30th March 2022 - KSFA Academies League Premiership
Ravens Wood (0) 1 61'
Hugh Christie (0) 0
Headcount: 10
Admission: Free
Programme: None
Mileage: 76/6,781
Ravens Wood (0) 1 61'
Hugh Christie (0) 0
Headcount: 10
Admission: Free
Programme: None
Mileage: 76/6,781
Tunbridge Wells 1 Lordswood 1
Match 116/21/1980 - Tuesday, 29th March 2022 - SCEFL Premier
Tunbridge Wells (0) 1 Gethin 90
Lordswood (1) 1 Reid 18
Attendance: 172
Admission: £5
Programme: £2
Mileage: 36/6,705
A penalty in time added salvaged a point for Tunbridge Wells, leaving visitors Lordswood still languishing in the relegation spots.
The penalty award was one of many curious decisions made by the referee who, surely, would have had better evenings.
A draw was probably a fair result, Tunbridge Wells certainly held the lion’s share of the game but defeat would have been rough justice on a Lordswood side that pressed well for an hour, giving the Wells not a second on the ball and, in the last half-hour, put a head or a boot on everything that was sent into their box.
Lordswood started the better and were well worth their lead after 18 minutes. Aaron Lee Wharton made a fine save from an initial shot on goal but Josh Reid was on hand to tuck home the rebound from close range.
The Wells recovered from the setback and forced corners aplenty but, apart from one on 22 minutes, that was headed onto the roof of the net by Freeman Rogers, none came to anything.
The home side lost the influential Connor Pring to injury on the half-hour and Wharton needed to be alert to deny Sam Bailey.
Kyron Lightfoot produced a scintillating run after 38 minutes but his final shot flew high into the night sky.
Confusion reigned just before the break when Freeman Rogers was sin binned, for what nobody really knew.
An early second half free kick from Lightfoot that was punched away by Lordswood goalkeeper, George Bentley, sent the tempo for a half that the Wells dominated. But, as with the first half, a multitude of corners brought no reward.
As they searched for an equaliser, Tunbridge Wells left themselves open to the counter attack and Zak Jakubowski twice found himself one-on-one with the last man, narrowly missing the target both times as he got his shot away.
As the clock ticked its way into time added, Tunbridge Wells were awarded a penalty when Lordswood’s Philip Makinde saw red after dragging down Lightfoot. An initial foul happened outside of the area but Lightfoot retained his footing allowing the referee to wave play on before he was finally felled.
Matt Gethin’s penalty was brilliantly turned onto the crossbar by Bentley, but Gethin followed up to head home.
Gethin might well have won the game with a header that went wide but, in fairness, that would have been rough justice on Lordswood.
Tunbridge Wells (0) 1 Gethin 90
Lordswood (1) 1 Reid 18
Attendance: 172
Admission: £5
Programme: £2
Mileage: 36/6,705
A penalty in time added salvaged a point for Tunbridge Wells, leaving visitors Lordswood still languishing in the relegation spots.
The penalty award was one of many curious decisions made by the referee who, surely, would have had better evenings.
A draw was probably a fair result, Tunbridge Wells certainly held the lion’s share of the game but defeat would have been rough justice on a Lordswood side that pressed well for an hour, giving the Wells not a second on the ball and, in the last half-hour, put a head or a boot on everything that was sent into their box.
Lordswood started the better and were well worth their lead after 18 minutes. Aaron Lee Wharton made a fine save from an initial shot on goal but Josh Reid was on hand to tuck home the rebound from close range.
The Wells recovered from the setback and forced corners aplenty but, apart from one on 22 minutes, that was headed onto the roof of the net by Freeman Rogers, none came to anything.
The home side lost the influential Connor Pring to injury on the half-hour and Wharton needed to be alert to deny Sam Bailey.
Kyron Lightfoot produced a scintillating run after 38 minutes but his final shot flew high into the night sky.
Confusion reigned just before the break when Freeman Rogers was sin binned, for what nobody really knew.
An early second half free kick from Lightfoot that was punched away by Lordswood goalkeeper, George Bentley, sent the tempo for a half that the Wells dominated. But, as with the first half, a multitude of corners brought no reward.
As they searched for an equaliser, Tunbridge Wells left themselves open to the counter attack and Zak Jakubowski twice found himself one-on-one with the last man, narrowly missing the target both times as he got his shot away.
As the clock ticked its way into time added, Tunbridge Wells were awarded a penalty when Lordswood’s Philip Makinde saw red after dragging down Lightfoot. An initial foul happened outside of the area but Lightfoot retained his footing allowing the referee to wave play on before he was finally felled.
Matt Gethin’s penalty was brilliantly turned onto the crossbar by Bentley, but Gethin followed up to head home.
Gethin might well have won the game with a header that went wide but, in fairness, that would have been rough justice on Lordswood.
Monday 28 March 2022
Dover Athletic Academy 0 Tonbridge Angels Academy 2
Match 115/21/1979 - Monday, 28th March 2022 - National League U19 Alliance
Dover Athletic (0) 0
Tonbridge Angels (1) 2 Hartley 9 McArthur 52
Headcount: 20
Admission: Free
Programme: None
Mileage: 60/6,669
Two pieces of calamitous defending from the hosts, Dover Athletic, coupled with a strong defensive performance from themselves saw Tonbridge Angels Academy stretch their lead at the top of the National League Under-19 Alliance to five points with four games remaining.
After dominating the early stages of the game, forcing a couple of corners, Tonbridge were gifted their lead on nine minutes when a misunderstanding between goalkeeper and defender saw a pass back evade the keeper and rebound off the post to the alert Fin Hartley who was able to walk the ball into the net.
The visitors continued to hold the ascendancy and from several corners won, Shea Brennan saw a header saved by Cameron Davey after 18 minutes and likewise from Joe Tyrie six minutes later.
Cameron Wootton and Ben Hermitage combined well to force Davey into another save and the game was into its 36th minute before Dover forced their first corner following a free kick from Teddy Isaacs that found Ewan Sallis.
After 52 minutes, the Dover back line was guilty of a second piece of miscommunication in defence when a long ball forward from Tom Green saw Josh McArthur get between a hesitant goalkeeper and defender to roll the ball into an empty net.
Without being at their attacking best, the Angels controlled the game completely restricting their hosts to the point that Nat Gibb, in the Angels goal, was asked to make his only save of the game, a comfortable one at that, after 70 minutes.
A fine move involving Ben Hermitage, substitutes Billy Robbins and Billy Kent ended with the latter seeing his shot well saved at the near post by Davey.
A couple of set piece headers from Tonbridge’s solid central defensive pairing of Tyrie and Green might have added to the scoreline before the final whistle but it was their work at the other end of the pitch that laid the foundation for this victory.
Tommy Parkinson commented after the game: “Not the best of performances against a good Dover team who played well throughout. We were solid defensively and clinical with our chances but need to improve in future games.” And paying tribute to his captain Joe Tyrie: “It was another solid performance from Joe who did his job excellently from the first minute to the last. Joe is a man playing boys football these days and is developing into a top centre back with massive potential to do well in the game.”
Dover Athletic (0) 0
Tonbridge Angels (1) 2 Hartley 9 McArthur 52
Headcount: 20
Admission: Free
Programme: None
Mileage: 60/6,669
Two pieces of calamitous defending from the hosts, Dover Athletic, coupled with a strong defensive performance from themselves saw Tonbridge Angels Academy stretch their lead at the top of the National League Under-19 Alliance to five points with four games remaining.
After dominating the early stages of the game, forcing a couple of corners, Tonbridge were gifted their lead on nine minutes when a misunderstanding between goalkeeper and defender saw a pass back evade the keeper and rebound off the post to the alert Fin Hartley who was able to walk the ball into the net.
The visitors continued to hold the ascendancy and from several corners won, Shea Brennan saw a header saved by Cameron Davey after 18 minutes and likewise from Joe Tyrie six minutes later.
Cameron Wootton and Ben Hermitage combined well to force Davey into another save and the game was into its 36th minute before Dover forced their first corner following a free kick from Teddy Isaacs that found Ewan Sallis.
After 52 minutes, the Dover back line was guilty of a second piece of miscommunication in defence when a long ball forward from Tom Green saw Josh McArthur get between a hesitant goalkeeper and defender to roll the ball into an empty net.
Without being at their attacking best, the Angels controlled the game completely restricting their hosts to the point that Nat Gibb, in the Angels goal, was asked to make his only save of the game, a comfortable one at that, after 70 minutes.
A fine move involving Ben Hermitage, substitutes Billy Robbins and Billy Kent ended with the latter seeing his shot well saved at the near post by Davey.
A couple of set piece headers from Tonbridge’s solid central defensive pairing of Tyrie and Green might have added to the scoreline before the final whistle but it was their work at the other end of the pitch that laid the foundation for this victory.
Tommy Parkinson commented after the game: “Not the best of performances against a good Dover team who played well throughout. We were solid defensively and clinical with our chances but need to improve in future games.” And paying tribute to his captain Joe Tyrie: “It was another solid performance from Joe who did his job excellently from the first minute to the last. Joe is a man playing boys football these days and is developing into a top centre back with massive potential to do well in the game.”
Sunday 27 March 2022
Hemel Hempstead Town 4 Tonbridge Angels 3
Match 114/21/1978 - Saturday, 26th March 2022 - National South
Hemel Hempstead Town (2) 4 Fonkeu 4 Fasanmade 37 Westbrook 74 Paul 90+6
Tonbridge Angels (1) 3 Perkins 31 Taylor 54,84
Attendance: 608
Admission: £9 Senior
Programme: £2.50
Mileage: 118/6,609
Four-three’s, with a 96th minute winner, are only great for neutrals. For the loser, they are a kick in the guts.
Defeats, especially heavy ones, engender different emotions from me. The first day thrashing at Ebbsfleet left me feeling that I had seen the team that would win the league (certainly hasn’t worked out that way) and Tonbridge would not be meeting their likes too many times. Oxford was just one of those days and accepted as such and Braintree left me absolutely seething at our performance. But this one really hurt. In the context of where we are in the season and the manner in which this was lost, as I said was a real stomach churner.
The afternoon began as frustrating as it ended. A half-hour delay to kick-off was due to an official, stuck in traffic on the A1 travelling down from Derbyshire. For Christ’s sake, this is National League SOUTH and the last time I looked there are clubs in Derbyshire in National League North!
Since our last visit back in 2019, Hemel Hempstead have installed a 3G surface and hearsay evidence, I’m not running about on it, is that it is not a very good one. I was able to lean over the fence and press down on the carpet and there was very little give in it, certainly I have visited schools with 3G’s that seemed a lot more player friendly.
But let’s not get bogged down in what might be perceived as sour grapes. Vauxhall Road is a tidy ground, nice area of covered terracing, seating on three sides, there wasn’t too much not to like.
Steve McKimm decided to go with the same side as won at Chippenham with the fit again Ricky Modeste being saved for a further week.
It was a bright, warm afternoon and the big orange orb was seemingly to have an impact on the game until it set midway through the second half.
After four minutes, the ball was in the Tonbridge net as a poor clearance fell to the feet of Pierre Fonkeu, who buried a low shot into the far corner. Despite several corners for the Angels, the afternoon looked to be going from bad to worse as a penalty was given against them following a hand ball by Craig Braham-Barrett. But Jonny Henly, diving to his right, denied Sam Mantom.
Four minutes later the visitors were back on terms when Teddy Perkins latched onto confusion in the Hemel defence following a Tom Beere free kick and his header found the back of net over the head of a defender stationed on the line.
Parity was not to last long and, after 37 minutes, a cross into the box found the head of Mantom, his header struck the post but the rebound fell kindly for Craig Fasanmade who was left with nothing more than a tap in.
Before the break Tommy Wood had an effort well saved by Craig King and a couple more corners were forced but Hemel retained their lead at the end of the half.
Joe Turner had an early second half opportunity but his shot cleared the bar, but after 54 minutes, Tonbridge were deservedly level but in quite bizarre circumstances. James Taylor, overhit a cross towards the far post but King, perhaps blinded by the sun, misjudged its direction and the ball nestled in the far corner.
A minute later, the Angels might well have been in front when a shot from Turner came back off the bar to strike King on the back but the goalkeeper was able to grab the ball before it bounced over the line.
Some pretty woeful defending from Tonbridge allowed the home side to restore their lead after 73 minutes. A corner was played short and a cross to the far post found an unmarked Jack Westbrook who had the relatively simple chance of converting.
Tonbridge were offered a lifeline with six minutes remaining as Fasanmade was sent off after a clash with Henly, he had previously been booked and received a second yellow and the Angels quickly capitalised with a goal a minute later.
A corner from the left was only partially cleared and, from about 15 yards, Taylor fired through a crowd of players into the net. The Crystal Palace loanee was watched by his boss Mark Bright, whom he must have impressed.
Into time added, Cole Kpekawa was cautioned and that should have proved costly as in a melee in the goalmouth the aforementioned throw a punch that was missed, or ignored, by the referee.
Whether it was the man advantage that emboldened Tommy Parkinson to seek a winning goal who knows, but any other time, he would have put his laces through a clearance in the 96th minute but he chose to pass the ball and from the interception the chance was set up for Chris Paul to bury a shot into the bottom corner.
Unbelievably there was still time for Hemel’s Joash Nemhard to receive a second yellow and a subsequent sending off but from the resultant free kick, Beere’s effort didn’t clear the wall and it was game over.
Over 24 hours later, the pain in my stomach still hurts.
Hemel Hempstead Town (2) 4 Fonkeu 4 Fasanmade 37 Westbrook 74 Paul 90+6
Tonbridge Angels (1) 3 Perkins 31 Taylor 54,84
Attendance: 608
Admission: £9 Senior
Programme: £2.50
Mileage: 118/6,609
Defeats, especially heavy ones, engender different emotions from me. The first day thrashing at Ebbsfleet left me feeling that I had seen the team that would win the league (certainly hasn’t worked out that way) and Tonbridge would not be meeting their likes too many times. Oxford was just one of those days and accepted as such and Braintree left me absolutely seething at our performance. But this one really hurt. In the context of where we are in the season and the manner in which this was lost, as I said was a real stomach churner.
The afternoon began as frustrating as it ended. A half-hour delay to kick-off was due to an official, stuck in traffic on the A1 travelling down from Derbyshire. For Christ’s sake, this is National League SOUTH and the last time I looked there are clubs in Derbyshire in National League North!
Since our last visit back in 2019, Hemel Hempstead have installed a 3G surface and hearsay evidence, I’m not running about on it, is that it is not a very good one. I was able to lean over the fence and press down on the carpet and there was very little give in it, certainly I have visited schools with 3G’s that seemed a lot more player friendly.
But let’s not get bogged down in what might be perceived as sour grapes. Vauxhall Road is a tidy ground, nice area of covered terracing, seating on three sides, there wasn’t too much not to like.
Steve McKimm decided to go with the same side as won at Chippenham with the fit again Ricky Modeste being saved for a further week.
It was a bright, warm afternoon and the big orange orb was seemingly to have an impact on the game until it set midway through the second half.
After four minutes, the ball was in the Tonbridge net as a poor clearance fell to the feet of Pierre Fonkeu, who buried a low shot into the far corner. Despite several corners for the Angels, the afternoon looked to be going from bad to worse as a penalty was given against them following a hand ball by Craig Braham-Barrett. But Jonny Henly, diving to his right, denied Sam Mantom.
Four minutes later the visitors were back on terms when Teddy Perkins latched onto confusion in the Hemel defence following a Tom Beere free kick and his header found the back of net over the head of a defender stationed on the line.
Parity was not to last long and, after 37 minutes, a cross into the box found the head of Mantom, his header struck the post but the rebound fell kindly for Craig Fasanmade who was left with nothing more than a tap in.
Before the break Tommy Wood had an effort well saved by Craig King and a couple more corners were forced but Hemel retained their lead at the end of the half.
Joe Turner had an early second half opportunity but his shot cleared the bar, but after 54 minutes, Tonbridge were deservedly level but in quite bizarre circumstances. James Taylor, overhit a cross towards the far post but King, perhaps blinded by the sun, misjudged its direction and the ball nestled in the far corner.
A minute later, the Angels might well have been in front when a shot from Turner came back off the bar to strike King on the back but the goalkeeper was able to grab the ball before it bounced over the line.
Some pretty woeful defending from Tonbridge allowed the home side to restore their lead after 73 minutes. A corner was played short and a cross to the far post found an unmarked Jack Westbrook who had the relatively simple chance of converting.
Tonbridge were offered a lifeline with six minutes remaining as Fasanmade was sent off after a clash with Henly, he had previously been booked and received a second yellow and the Angels quickly capitalised with a goal a minute later.
A corner from the left was only partially cleared and, from about 15 yards, Taylor fired through a crowd of players into the net. The Crystal Palace loanee was watched by his boss Mark Bright, whom he must have impressed.
Into time added, Cole Kpekawa was cautioned and that should have proved costly as in a melee in the goalmouth the aforementioned throw a punch that was missed, or ignored, by the referee.
Whether it was the man advantage that emboldened Tommy Parkinson to seek a winning goal who knows, but any other time, he would have put his laces through a clearance in the 96th minute but he chose to pass the ball and from the interception the chance was set up for Chris Paul to bury a shot into the bottom corner.
Unbelievably there was still time for Hemel’s Joash Nemhard to receive a second yellow and a subsequent sending off but from the resultant free kick, Beere’s effort didn’t clear the wall and it was game over.
Over 24 hours later, the pain in my stomach still hurts.
Wednesday 23 March 2022
Harris Academy 7 Hugh Christie 1
Match 113/21/1977 - Wednesday, 23rd March 2022 - Kent Schools Academies League
Harris Academy (4) 7
Hugh Christie (1) 1 De Cauwer (pen)
Attendance: 1
Mileage: 70/6,491
A match in which the Academy said goodbye to one of their characters, Arne De Cauwer, who returns home to Belgium. Arne enjoyed the honour of captaincy for the day and also the opportunity to score from the spot. Farewell Arne, your stories from the back of the bus were legendary!
Harris Academy (4) 7
Hugh Christie (1) 1 De Cauwer (pen)
Attendance: 1
Mileage: 70/6,491
A match in which the Academy said goodbye to one of their characters, Arne De Cauwer, who returns home to Belgium. Arne enjoyed the honour of captaincy for the day and also the opportunity to score from the spot. Farewell Arne, your stories from the back of the bus were legendary!
Tunbridge Wells 3 Tower Hamlets 0
Match 112/21/1976 - Tuesday, 22nd March 2022 - SCEFL Premier
Tunbridge Wells (1) 3 Froggatt 4 Gethin 68 (pen), 80
Tower Hamlets (0) 0
Attendance: 193
Admission: £5 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 36/6,421
A first visit to Culverden since October, although not many did visit during a 77 day hiatus without a home game due to pitch problems, saw a comfortable victory over bottom placed Tower Hamlets who provided a spirited resistance for a large part of the game.
At times it was a laboured performance from Tunbridge Wells that was sparked into life on 65 minutes with the introduction of Kyron Lightfoot and Regan Corke who provided pace and excitement with their directness.
The Wells possibly got off to too good a start when they went ahead after just four minutes and, perhaps, a little complacency set in. A cross from the right saw Johnny Phillips knock the ball back across the face of goal to Josh Froggatt who completed the simple task of a close range header.
Given their basement status there could not have been many around the ground that were not expecting Tower Hamlets to fold, but they responded in the best possible way, defending stubbornly and pushing forward, creating chances on occasions.
When the home team broke through they were met with a goalkeeper, Ali Dogan, resplendent in the deepest of pink jersey that was surely at odds with the red shirts of the Wells, that was on the top of his game, saving well from Matt Gethin on 19 minutes.
Aaron Lee Wharton needed to be alert to deny Sezgin Alfhoieu and, on 26 minutes, the visitors should have been level when Daniel Alpanu was sent clear but his shot was blocked and the ball cleared from the ensuing scramble.
Dogan reacted sharply after a free kick from Connor Pring took a wicked deflection and, given the start, it was a bit disappointing from the Wells point of view that they went into the break just a goal to the good.
Tunbridge Wells reasserted themselves from the outset of the second half with James Nurden heading narrowly wide and a shot from Pring was touched onto the bar and over by the goalkeeper.
The attacking intentions of Tower Hamlets were now far more sporadic but, just past the hour, Loseli Annwa was sent clear following a long punt forward but he wastefully dragged his shot well wide.
The introduction of Lightfoot and Corke brought an immediate dividend when the latter was brought down in the box for a spot kick that Gethin duly converted.
Lightfoot struck the bar after 80 minutes and moments later Gethin gave the scoreline a realistic look when he cut in from the left byeline before firing in between the goalkeeper and his near post.
It was a workmanlike performance from Tunbridge Wells rather than spectacular and, one was left to wonder whether Tower Hamlets first-ever visit to Culverden might also be their last as relegation would seem almost inevitable and with that there is the probability that they will be geographically moved out of the SCEFL.
Tunbridge Wells (1) 3 Froggatt 4 Gethin 68 (pen), 80
Tower Hamlets (0) 0
Attendance: 193
Admission: £5 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 36/6,421
At times it was a laboured performance from Tunbridge Wells that was sparked into life on 65 minutes with the introduction of Kyron Lightfoot and Regan Corke who provided pace and excitement with their directness.
The Wells possibly got off to too good a start when they went ahead after just four minutes and, perhaps, a little complacency set in. A cross from the right saw Johnny Phillips knock the ball back across the face of goal to Josh Froggatt who completed the simple task of a close range header.
Given their basement status there could not have been many around the ground that were not expecting Tower Hamlets to fold, but they responded in the best possible way, defending stubbornly and pushing forward, creating chances on occasions.
When the home team broke through they were met with a goalkeeper, Ali Dogan, resplendent in the deepest of pink jersey that was surely at odds with the red shirts of the Wells, that was on the top of his game, saving well from Matt Gethin on 19 minutes.
Aaron Lee Wharton needed to be alert to deny Sezgin Alfhoieu and, on 26 minutes, the visitors should have been level when Daniel Alpanu was sent clear but his shot was blocked and the ball cleared from the ensuing scramble.
Dogan reacted sharply after a free kick from Connor Pring took a wicked deflection and, given the start, it was a bit disappointing from the Wells point of view that they went into the break just a goal to the good.
Tunbridge Wells reasserted themselves from the outset of the second half with James Nurden heading narrowly wide and a shot from Pring was touched onto the bar and over by the goalkeeper.
The attacking intentions of Tower Hamlets were now far more sporadic but, just past the hour, Loseli Annwa was sent clear following a long punt forward but he wastefully dragged his shot well wide.
The introduction of Lightfoot and Corke brought an immediate dividend when the latter was brought down in the box for a spot kick that Gethin duly converted.
Lightfoot struck the bar after 80 minutes and moments later Gethin gave the scoreline a realistic look when he cut in from the left byeline before firing in between the goalkeeper and his near post.
It was a workmanlike performance from Tunbridge Wells rather than spectacular and, one was left to wonder whether Tower Hamlets first-ever visit to Culverden might also be their last as relegation would seem almost inevitable and with that there is the probability that they will be geographically moved out of the SCEFL.
Tuesday 22 March 2022
Chatham Town U18 1 Tonbridge Angels U18 0
Match 111/21/1975 - Monday, 21st March 2022 - Isthmian Youth League
Chatham Town (0) 1 Falako 73
Tonbridge Angels Under-18 (0) 0
Attendance: 35
Admission: Free
Programme: None
Mileage: 32/6,385
Tonbridge Angels Under-18’s slipped to a disappointing Isthmian League defeat at Chatham Town, going down to a single goal scored after 73 minutes.
It was a frustrating evening for the Angels who struggled with their retention of the ball, sadly for the spectators, Chatham suffered similarly and subsequently a poor game ensued.
Tonbridge had the better of the opening 20 minutes forcing a couple of corners and having a Fin Wolvey shot that was just over the bar. But from the midway point of the half it was the home side that gained the momentum with centre half Calum Scovell heading over from a corner and Matt Larkin saving a header from Tom Samwell.
Three minutes before the break, Max Lambert ended a surging run with a shot that was destined for the top corner but the Chats goalkeeper, Bobby Crabb, made a fine save turning it away for a corner.
On the stroke of half-time it was Larkin’s time to excel with a brilliant double save to deny Chatham's Joel Biring
In terms of quality, the second half deteriorated further with both sides guilty of poor distribution but with Chatham producing the moments most likely to bring reward.
The tricky Biring fired narrowly wide on 56 minutes and the equally skilful David Falako were causing the Angels defence problems.
It was a great shot from the Biring brought a superb stop from Larkin, but the goalkeeper’s parry fell invitingly to Falako who tucked home the rebound from close range for the only goal of the evening.
Angels’ substitute Hayden Velvick produced a pacy break that ended with a shot on target which Crabb did well to turn away at his near post.
Chatham finished the game the stronger and Larkin did well to deny the Falako on two occasions in the final five minutes.
Manager Dom Welsh was equally disappointed with his side’s quality on the ball and felt that if they had got that right, chances would appear but, unfortunately, it just did not happen.
Chatham Town (0) 1 Falako 73
Tonbridge Angels Under-18 (0) 0
Attendance: 35
Admission: Free
Programme: None
Mileage: 32/6,385
Tonbridge Angels Under-18’s slipped to a disappointing Isthmian League defeat at Chatham Town, going down to a single goal scored after 73 minutes.
It was a frustrating evening for the Angels who struggled with their retention of the ball, sadly for the spectators, Chatham suffered similarly and subsequently a poor game ensued.
Tonbridge had the better of the opening 20 minutes forcing a couple of corners and having a Fin Wolvey shot that was just over the bar. But from the midway point of the half it was the home side that gained the momentum with centre half Calum Scovell heading over from a corner and Matt Larkin saving a header from Tom Samwell.
Three minutes before the break, Max Lambert ended a surging run with a shot that was destined for the top corner but the Chats goalkeeper, Bobby Crabb, made a fine save turning it away for a corner.
On the stroke of half-time it was Larkin’s time to excel with a brilliant double save to deny Chatham's Joel Biring
In terms of quality, the second half deteriorated further with both sides guilty of poor distribution but with Chatham producing the moments most likely to bring reward.
The tricky Biring fired narrowly wide on 56 minutes and the equally skilful David Falako were causing the Angels defence problems.
It was a great shot from the Biring brought a superb stop from Larkin, but the goalkeeper’s parry fell invitingly to Falako who tucked home the rebound from close range for the only goal of the evening.
Angels’ substitute Hayden Velvick produced a pacy break that ended with a shot on target which Crabb did well to turn away at his near post.
Chatham finished the game the stronger and Larkin did well to deny the Falako on two occasions in the final five minutes.
Manager Dom Welsh was equally disappointed with his side’s quality on the ball and felt that if they had got that right, chances would appear but, unfortunately, it just did not happen.
Monday 21 March 2022
Maidstone United Academy 1 Tonbridge Angels Academy 2
Match 110/21/1974 - Monday, 21st March 2022 - National League Under-19 Alliance
Maidstone United Academy (0) 1 Jeche 90+4
Tonbridge Angels Academy (1) 2 Hartley 17 Duncan 60
Headcount: 35
Admission: Free
Programme: None
Mileage: 20/6,353
Tonbridge Angels Academy produced a masterclass in defending and two moments of quality to emerge from the Gallagher Stadium with maximum points in their top of the table clash with hosts, Maidstone United.
Maidstone might well point to a greater share of possession but a resilient back line restricted the home side to just one meaningful effort on goal that required Tonbridge goalkeeper, Nat Gibb to turn the ball over the bar before they struck a final minute consolation goal.
Central defenders Joe Tyrie and Tom Green produced a magnificent effort ably assisted by their full backs, Josh McArthur and Leo Vowles.
Maidstone’s sole moment to test Gibb came in the 11th minute when good work from Jack Muir set up a shooting opportunity for ex-Angel Nathan Jeche but his effort was capably turned over the bar and, from the resultant corner, Max Proven headed harmlessly over the bar.
The Angels went ahead after 17 minutes when a superb through ball from Luca Woodhouse sent Fin Hartley clear and the cool-headed striker finished well past the advancing Maidstone goalkeeper, Harley Earle.
Maidstone dominated the first half in terms of possession but a 20 yard effort from Proven that sailed over and efforts from Jeche and full back Ayo Tijani that were comfortably dealt with by Gibb were as good as it got for a side that made their frustration all too apparent.
First half efforts from Ben Twist and Elliott Duncan worked Earle but were comfortable saves.
The second period opened with Tonbridge showing greater attacking intent and Earle was stretched within the first minute, saving low to his left from Twist.
A cross across the face of goal from Ben Hermitage begged a touch and the midfielder was denied at the goalkeeper’s feet after being sent clear by Hartley as the Angels enjoyed a period of ascendancy that was rewarded with a second goal on the hour when Hermitage played the ball through to Duncan who raced clear to slot past Earle.
Substitute Billy Kent was enjoying himself on the left wing producing runs that were desperately defended for corners.
As Maidstone searched for a way back into the game, skipper Alfie Giles was instrumental in most of what they created and a 71st minute cross brought a heart-stopping moment but nobody managed to get on the end of it and Tyrie needed to be at his resilient best to deny Giles at the expense of a corner.
A minor disagreement saw Maidstone’s Morgan Todd and Joe Tyrie into the book as frustration boiled over. Duncan and Kent both had late opportunities to put the game to bed in the last five minutes and with the clock entering the last minute of time added, Jeche produced a shot from 20 yards that found the net via the underside of the crossbar to deny the Angels defence a well deserved clean sheet.
Manager Tommy Parkinson praised his team’s performance: “A fantastic win against a very strong Maidstone team. We defended brilliantly all game and had two moments of quality to win the game.“
Tonbridge moved two points ahead of Maidstone at the top of the table with three games in hand and now need to consolidate their place with another away game on Wednesday against Charlton Athletic Trust.
Maidstone United Academy (0) 1 Jeche 90+4
Tonbridge Angels Academy (1) 2 Hartley 17 Duncan 60
Headcount: 35
Admission: Free
Programme: None
Mileage: 20/6,353
Tonbridge Angels Academy produced a masterclass in defending and two moments of quality to emerge from the Gallagher Stadium with maximum points in their top of the table clash with hosts, Maidstone United.
Maidstone might well point to a greater share of possession but a resilient back line restricted the home side to just one meaningful effort on goal that required Tonbridge goalkeeper, Nat Gibb to turn the ball over the bar before they struck a final minute consolation goal.
Central defenders Joe Tyrie and Tom Green produced a magnificent effort ably assisted by their full backs, Josh McArthur and Leo Vowles.
Maidstone’s sole moment to test Gibb came in the 11th minute when good work from Jack Muir set up a shooting opportunity for ex-Angel Nathan Jeche but his effort was capably turned over the bar and, from the resultant corner, Max Proven headed harmlessly over the bar.
The Angels went ahead after 17 minutes when a superb through ball from Luca Woodhouse sent Fin Hartley clear and the cool-headed striker finished well past the advancing Maidstone goalkeeper, Harley Earle.
Maidstone dominated the first half in terms of possession but a 20 yard effort from Proven that sailed over and efforts from Jeche and full back Ayo Tijani that were comfortably dealt with by Gibb were as good as it got for a side that made their frustration all too apparent.
First half efforts from Ben Twist and Elliott Duncan worked Earle but were comfortable saves.
The second period opened with Tonbridge showing greater attacking intent and Earle was stretched within the first minute, saving low to his left from Twist.
A cross across the face of goal from Ben Hermitage begged a touch and the midfielder was denied at the goalkeeper’s feet after being sent clear by Hartley as the Angels enjoyed a period of ascendancy that was rewarded with a second goal on the hour when Hermitage played the ball through to Duncan who raced clear to slot past Earle.
Substitute Billy Kent was enjoying himself on the left wing producing runs that were desperately defended for corners.
As Maidstone searched for a way back into the game, skipper Alfie Giles was instrumental in most of what they created and a 71st minute cross brought a heart-stopping moment but nobody managed to get on the end of it and Tyrie needed to be at his resilient best to deny Giles at the expense of a corner.
A minor disagreement saw Maidstone’s Morgan Todd and Joe Tyrie into the book as frustration boiled over. Duncan and Kent both had late opportunities to put the game to bed in the last five minutes and with the clock entering the last minute of time added, Jeche produced a shot from 20 yards that found the net via the underside of the crossbar to deny the Angels defence a well deserved clean sheet.
Manager Tommy Parkinson praised his team’s performance: “A fantastic win against a very strong Maidstone team. We defended brilliantly all game and had two moments of quality to win the game.“
Tonbridge moved two points ahead of Maidstone at the top of the table with three games in hand and now need to consolidate their place with another away game on Wednesday against Charlton Athletic Trust.
Sunday 20 March 2022
Tonbridge Angels 2 Chippenham Town 0
Match 109/21/1973 - Saturday, 19th March 2022 - National League South
Tonbridge Angels (1) 2 Wood 11 Coombes 58
Chippenham Town (0) 0
Attendance: 700
Admission: Season Ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 38/6,333
There wasn’t a Tonbridge supporter among the 700 attendance that was not aware of the importance of these three points deservedly won against play-off chasing Chippenham Town. But for those that hadn’t been busily checking their phones for 90 minutes the realisation that Billericay, Welling and Bath had also won gave an even greater sense of relief.
Steve McKimm restored Tommy Wood to the starting line-up, pairing him upfront from the outset with Adam Coombes for the first time and Jamie Fielding came back into the side with Jerry O’Sullivan taking his place on the bench.
A third minute warning was posted to the visitors when they conceded a free kick, to which they played a very high line and pushed forward looking for an offside. This particular set piece was cleared but the flaw in their plan was identified and when, in the 11th minute, another free kick was awarded, Wood made a run from deep whilst the Chippenham defence stood statuesque looking for the offside decision. In an acre of space, the Tonbridge striker took down the lofted free kick from Tom Beere and belted it past the exposed goalkeeper, Will Henry.
A six minute delay in play ensued after 16 minutes with Chippenham’s Callum Gunner requiring a stretcher for what looked a quite serious injury.
Tonbridge were the dominant side and Coombes headed over and a Joe Turner shot cleared the bar before the visitors were very nearly undone again by their offside trap plan as Wood got clear but this time the flag did come to their rescue, albeit that it was a very tight decision.
After 35 minutes, from a Beere corner, Sonny Miles saw his header plucked out of the air by Henry and in, time added, Chippenham substitute Oluwasegun Lawal broke clear but the home defence was quick to snuff out the threat.
There were half chances for both sides in the early part of the second period before the Angels doubled their advantage after 58 minutes. A perfectly flighted free kick from Beere from 35 yards out found the diving header of Coombes to direct into the bottom corner. A goal each for both strikers, a very sweet affirmation of McKimm’s decision to play them together for the first time.
Certainly, there was indecision from the visiting defence each time the ball was delivered and another Beere cross saw a desperate save from Henry followed a scramble in front of goal.
The game drifted almost without incident to its conclusion, for which the Tonbridge support would have been grateful, with Chippenham showing very little of the threat that put four goals past Dartford last Saturday.
Three welcome points that maintains that little bit of breathing space.
Pictures: Wes Filtness
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Tonbridge Angels (1) 2 Wood 11 Coombes 58
Chippenham Town (0) 0
Attendance: 700
Admission: Season Ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 38/6,333
Steve McKimm restored Tommy Wood to the starting line-up, pairing him upfront from the outset with Adam Coombes for the first time and Jamie Fielding came back into the side with Jerry O’Sullivan taking his place on the bench.
A third minute warning was posted to the visitors when they conceded a free kick, to which they played a very high line and pushed forward looking for an offside. This particular set piece was cleared but the flaw in their plan was identified and when, in the 11th minute, another free kick was awarded, Wood made a run from deep whilst the Chippenham defence stood statuesque looking for the offside decision. In an acre of space, the Tonbridge striker took down the lofted free kick from Tom Beere and belted it past the exposed goalkeeper, Will Henry.
A six minute delay in play ensued after 16 minutes with Chippenham’s Callum Gunner requiring a stretcher for what looked a quite serious injury.
Tonbridge were the dominant side and Coombes headed over and a Joe Turner shot cleared the bar before the visitors were very nearly undone again by their offside trap plan as Wood got clear but this time the flag did come to their rescue, albeit that it was a very tight decision.
After 35 minutes, from a Beere corner, Sonny Miles saw his header plucked out of the air by Henry and in, time added, Chippenham substitute Oluwasegun Lawal broke clear but the home defence was quick to snuff out the threat.
There were half chances for both sides in the early part of the second period before the Angels doubled their advantage after 58 minutes. A perfectly flighted free kick from Beere from 35 yards out found the diving header of Coombes to direct into the bottom corner. A goal each for both strikers, a very sweet affirmation of McKimm’s decision to play them together for the first time.
Certainly, there was indecision from the visiting defence each time the ball was delivered and another Beere cross saw a desperate save from Henry followed a scramble in front of goal.
The game drifted almost without incident to its conclusion, for which the Tonbridge support would have been grateful, with Chippenham showing very little of the threat that put four goals past Dartford last Saturday.
Three welcome points that maintains that little bit of breathing space.
Pictures: Wes Filtness
Wednesday 16 March 2022
Tonbridge Angels Academy 6 K Sports 0
Match 108/21/1972 - Wednesday, 16th March 2022 - National League Under-19 Alliance
Tonbridge Angels Academy (2) 6 Wootton 4 Tyrie 29 Woodhouse 50,86 Hermitage 57 Kent 83
K Sports Academy (0) 0
Headcount: 15
Admission: Free
Programme: None
Mileage: 28/6,295
Tonbridge Angels Academy cruised to a comfortable victory against K Sports at Larkfield to maintain their title challenge on a day in which fellow contenders, Maidstone United and Bromley, also collected full points.
The Angels opened up on the front foot and Ben Hermitage brought a very good save from the K Sports goalkeeper, Denny McConnell, after just two minutes. But the visiting defence was opened up on four minutes when a pass from Luca Woodhouse was turned into the path of Cameron Wootton who scored from eight yards.
An injury to Sam Grant brought an early appearance off the bench for Mason Nicholls and, after 12 minutes, K Sports’ Jermain Kevill brought a good save, low to his left, from Nat Gibb following a shot from 20 yards.
Tonbridge continued to dominate the game with a series of corners before doubling their lead on 29 minutes when a Ben Twist corner was met with a firm header from skipper Joe Tyrie that gave the McConnell no chance.
The visitors wasted a great opportunity to reduce the deficit before the break when Kevill set up Mackenzie Gardiner with a free header that he somehow conspired to put wide.
Within a couple of minutes of the restart, Wootton had the ball in the net following some good work from Josh McArthur but this was ruled out for offside, but two minutes later a Woodhouse free kick from 20 yards found the top corner.
The game was probably over as a contest on 57 minutes when a well worked goal involving Twist and Billy Kent, ended with Hermitage having a tap-in to make it four.
Whilst the Angels were mostly in the ascendancy, every so often K Sports would offer a threatening moment and a nicely crafted move ended with Ryan Tibbs firing over and three minutes later a Rhys Cheek header struck the post.
Kent, who had worked hard, missed narrowly before getting his name on the score sheet after 83 minutes when he ran onto a Hermitage through ball to round the goalkeeper and slot the ball into the unguarded goal.
The game was rounded off four minutes from time when Kent latched onto a poor clearance to set up Woodhouse for an easy finish.
The days’s results have set up an intriguing encounter on Monday when the Angels visit Maidstone United at the Gallagher.
Tonbridge Angels Academy (2) 6 Wootton 4 Tyrie 29 Woodhouse 50,86 Hermitage 57 Kent 83
K Sports Academy (0) 0
Headcount: 15
Admission: Free
Programme: None
Mileage: 28/6,295
Tonbridge Angels Academy cruised to a comfortable victory against K Sports at Larkfield to maintain their title challenge on a day in which fellow contenders, Maidstone United and Bromley, also collected full points.
The Angels opened up on the front foot and Ben Hermitage brought a very good save from the K Sports goalkeeper, Denny McConnell, after just two minutes. But the visiting defence was opened up on four minutes when a pass from Luca Woodhouse was turned into the path of Cameron Wootton who scored from eight yards.
An injury to Sam Grant brought an early appearance off the bench for Mason Nicholls and, after 12 minutes, K Sports’ Jermain Kevill brought a good save, low to his left, from Nat Gibb following a shot from 20 yards.
Tonbridge continued to dominate the game with a series of corners before doubling their lead on 29 minutes when a Ben Twist corner was met with a firm header from skipper Joe Tyrie that gave the McConnell no chance.
The visitors wasted a great opportunity to reduce the deficit before the break when Kevill set up Mackenzie Gardiner with a free header that he somehow conspired to put wide.
Within a couple of minutes of the restart, Wootton had the ball in the net following some good work from Josh McArthur but this was ruled out for offside, but two minutes later a Woodhouse free kick from 20 yards found the top corner.
The game was probably over as a contest on 57 minutes when a well worked goal involving Twist and Billy Kent, ended with Hermitage having a tap-in to make it four.
Whilst the Angels were mostly in the ascendancy, every so often K Sports would offer a threatening moment and a nicely crafted move ended with Ryan Tibbs firing over and three minutes later a Rhys Cheek header struck the post.
Kent, who had worked hard, missed narrowly before getting his name on the score sheet after 83 minutes when he ran onto a Hermitage through ball to round the goalkeeper and slot the ball into the unguarded goal.
The game was rounded off four minutes from time when Kent latched onto a poor clearance to set up Woodhouse for an easy finish.
The days’s results have set up an intriguing encounter on Monday when the Angels visit Maidstone United at the Gallagher.
Concord Rangers 1 Tonbridge Angels 1
Match 107/21/1971 - Tuesday, 15th March 2022 - National League South
Concord Rangers (0) 1 Simper 75
Tonbridge Angels (0) 1 Wood 85
Attendance: 252
Admission: £8
Programme: £2
Mileage: 124/6,267
Cliche time! We are, at least, approaching the business end of the season. Draws are analysed, point won or two lost and smart phones are rapidly becoming a distraction as up-to-the-minute information is sought from matches elsewhere. My own cliche that I trot out time and again is that this would have been a point that I would have accepted on the way in, so I have to be satisfied on the way out.
But, and there is always a but, this did feel like a game in which two points were lost.
Canvey Island doesn’t represent the more glamorous of destinations in National South and Concord Rangers’ Thames Road stadium has few redeeming features, although I’m told the very cheesy chips were good value, but they looked like a heart attack on a plate to me!
Relegation battles are by their very definition tight, usually scrappy affairs and, on a pitch that didn’t help, this was no different.
Adam Lovatt had been recalled by Sutton United and went straight into their team for their League Two fixture at Swindon Town. His place in the starting line-up was taken by Doug Loft.
An overhead kick from Joe Turner after 10 minutes that cleared the bar by not too much and a shot from Concord’s Nana Kyei that was turned away for a corner provided the best of the early action.
It was past the half-hour mark when Turner was sent clear but Concord’s ex-Angels loanee goalkeeper Myles Roberts narrowed his angle and was able to push the ball away for a corner.
Both goalkeepers made comfortable saves in the remaining time before the break but with the dearth of real chances it was no surprise that the first 45 minutes had ended goalless.
Into the second half and, sadly for the meagre attendance, goalmouth action remained in short supply with both sides having an effort that was comfortably saved.
Tommy Wood entered the fray after 73 minutes to beef up the attack but within two minutes it was the home side that took the lead. A cross from the right by Lewis Simper brought hesitancy from the Tonbridge defence and the ball found the net off the far post.
Forwards, Aaron Smith-Joseph and Jake Embery, were sent on as the Angels sought at least an equaliser that their evening deserved and a succession of corners were won but without reward.
But, on 85 minutes, reward finally came with a goal from the marksman of the moment, Wood. Smith-Joseph saw a free kick turned away for a corner from which James Taylor swept a pass in to Wood, who fired home.
We are some way away from squeaky bum time, but those nervy times ahead seem just around the corner.
Concord Rangers (0) 1 Simper 75
Tonbridge Angels (0) 1 Wood 85
Attendance: 252
Admission: £8
Programme: £2
Mileage: 124/6,267
But, and there is always a but, this did feel like a game in which two points were lost.
Canvey Island doesn’t represent the more glamorous of destinations in National South and Concord Rangers’ Thames Road stadium has few redeeming features, although I’m told the very cheesy chips were good value, but they looked like a heart attack on a plate to me!
Relegation battles are by their very definition tight, usually scrappy affairs and, on a pitch that didn’t help, this was no different.
Adam Lovatt had been recalled by Sutton United and went straight into their team for their League Two fixture at Swindon Town. His place in the starting line-up was taken by Doug Loft.
An overhead kick from Joe Turner after 10 minutes that cleared the bar by not too much and a shot from Concord’s Nana Kyei that was turned away for a corner provided the best of the early action.
It was past the half-hour mark when Turner was sent clear but Concord’s ex-Angels loanee goalkeeper Myles Roberts narrowed his angle and was able to push the ball away for a corner.
Both goalkeepers made comfortable saves in the remaining time before the break but with the dearth of real chances it was no surprise that the first 45 minutes had ended goalless.
Into the second half and, sadly for the meagre attendance, goalmouth action remained in short supply with both sides having an effort that was comfortably saved.
Tommy Wood entered the fray after 73 minutes to beef up the attack but within two minutes it was the home side that took the lead. A cross from the right by Lewis Simper brought hesitancy from the Tonbridge defence and the ball found the net off the far post.
Forwards, Aaron Smith-Joseph and Jake Embery, were sent on as the Angels sought at least an equaliser that their evening deserved and a succession of corners were won but without reward.
But, on 85 minutes, reward finally came with a goal from the marksman of the moment, Wood. Smith-Joseph saw a free kick turned away for a corner from which James Taylor swept a pass in to Wood, who fired home.
We are some way away from squeaky bum time, but those nervy times ahead seem just around the corner.
Tuesday 15 March 2022
Sutton Common Rovers U18 3 Tonbridge Angels U18 0
Match 106/21/1970 - Monday, 14th March 2022 - Isthmian Youth League
Sutton Common Rovers U18 (1) 3 Oluno 37 McKnight 75 Hampstead 89
Tonbridge Angels U18 (0) 0
Attendance: 38
Admission: £5
Programme: None
Mileage: 124/6,143
Despite the 3-0 score line there was much to admire about a resilient performance against an outstanding Sutton Common Rovers side that in all honesty should go on to win the league at a canter.
A late goal gave a score line that flattered Sutton Common a bit, although they were kept at bay by a magnificent goalkeeping performance from Matt Larkin which included a penalty save.
New signing William Puffette added some steel to a central defence that had conceded six goals in each of their last two outings.
Even on a difficult pitch at Colliers Wood United, Sutton Common moved the ball around with the confidence of a team that remain unbeaten after 10 games and are just two points behind leaders Cray Valley with four games in hand.
But, in fairness, it was the Angels youngsters that started the brightest with Ethan Knight firing wide after four minutes and George Theis, in particular, giving the home defence some concern.
After the opening quarter hour, Sutton Common asserted themselves on the game and it took some resilience from the back line to deny Harry McKnight and a box of tricks on the right side in Emile Janois.
Tonbridge’s best chance of the half fell to Theis after 34 minutes who was sent clear by Zach Garcia but his attempted lob only fell into the hands of Toby McKimm.
Three minutes later the Angels were ruing that missed opportunity as the home side took the lead. A free kick was only partially cleared and the ball was put back into the box from where Ben Oluno was able to hook the ball home.
Larkin produced two excellent saves in the closing minutes of the half to keep the deficit at just the single goal.
Larkin excelled again in the early part of the second half with two fine saves, the second one an exceptional turn over the bar from a 20 yard shot.
Tonbridge suffered a set back just prior to the hour when influential captain Harry London had to be withdrawn with a shoulder injury.
On 65 minutes, the Angels big chance to get back into the game came when a free kick from Garcia found the head of Puffette, but the centre back’s effort was just over the bar and once more they were made to pay immediately as at the other end, a cross from Janois could only be parried by Larkin into the path of McKnight who had the easiest of tap-ins.
Sutton Common were awarded a penalty after 75 minutes when Janois was brought down but Larkin, for the second game in a row, brought off a great save, diving to his left.
A fairly long injury delay followed when Sutton Common’s McKnight needed to be stretchered off with an ankle injury. An ambulance was later called for the player but thankfully it is understood that there is no break.
Larkin was continuing to excel, turning over an effort but from the resultant corner, Oli Hampstead glanced in a header for the home side’s third goal.
Dominic Welsh was naturally pleased with his side commenting after the game: “The result probably doesn’t reflect it but a much more resilient performance from the boys tonight. SCR are an outstanding side, who train full time and had 10 second years in their starting XI. In comparison we had none in our squad and had four Under-16’s on the pitch at the end.”
Sutton Common Rovers U18 (1) 3 Oluno 37 McKnight 75 Hampstead 89
Tonbridge Angels U18 (0) 0
Attendance: 38
Admission: £5
Programme: None
Mileage: 124/6,143
Despite the 3-0 score line there was much to admire about a resilient performance against an outstanding Sutton Common Rovers side that in all honesty should go on to win the league at a canter.
A late goal gave a score line that flattered Sutton Common a bit, although they were kept at bay by a magnificent goalkeeping performance from Matt Larkin which included a penalty save.
New signing William Puffette added some steel to a central defence that had conceded six goals in each of their last two outings.
Even on a difficult pitch at Colliers Wood United, Sutton Common moved the ball around with the confidence of a team that remain unbeaten after 10 games and are just two points behind leaders Cray Valley with four games in hand.
But, in fairness, it was the Angels youngsters that started the brightest with Ethan Knight firing wide after four minutes and George Theis, in particular, giving the home defence some concern.
After the opening quarter hour, Sutton Common asserted themselves on the game and it took some resilience from the back line to deny Harry McKnight and a box of tricks on the right side in Emile Janois.
Tonbridge’s best chance of the half fell to Theis after 34 minutes who was sent clear by Zach Garcia but his attempted lob only fell into the hands of Toby McKimm.
Three minutes later the Angels were ruing that missed opportunity as the home side took the lead. A free kick was only partially cleared and the ball was put back into the box from where Ben Oluno was able to hook the ball home.
Larkin produced two excellent saves in the closing minutes of the half to keep the deficit at just the single goal.
Larkin excelled again in the early part of the second half with two fine saves, the second one an exceptional turn over the bar from a 20 yard shot.
Tonbridge suffered a set back just prior to the hour when influential captain Harry London had to be withdrawn with a shoulder injury.
On 65 minutes, the Angels big chance to get back into the game came when a free kick from Garcia found the head of Puffette, but the centre back’s effort was just over the bar and once more they were made to pay immediately as at the other end, a cross from Janois could only be parried by Larkin into the path of McKnight who had the easiest of tap-ins.
Sutton Common were awarded a penalty after 75 minutes when Janois was brought down but Larkin, for the second game in a row, brought off a great save, diving to his left.
A fairly long injury delay followed when Sutton Common’s McKnight needed to be stretchered off with an ankle injury. An ambulance was later called for the player but thankfully it is understood that there is no break.
Larkin was continuing to excel, turning over an effort but from the resultant corner, Oli Hampstead glanced in a header for the home side’s third goal.
Dominic Welsh was naturally pleased with his side commenting after the game: “The result probably doesn’t reflect it but a much more resilient performance from the boys tonight. SCR are an outstanding side, who train full time and had 10 second years in their starting XI. In comparison we had none in our squad and had four Under-16’s on the pitch at the end.”
Sunday 13 March 2022
Tonbridge Angels 0 Braintree Town 0
Match 105/21/1969 - Saturday, 12th March 2022 - National League South
Tonbridge Angels (0) 0
Braintree Town (0) 0
Attendance: 765
Admission: Season Ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 38/6,019
The afternoon began with a respectfully moving show of solidarity towards the people of war-torn Ukraine, holding aloft Ukrainian flags as a minute’s silence was observed. Nobody wanted that to be the highlight of the afternoon but sadly that’s the way it turned out as probably the worst game of football I’ve watched this season unfolded.
Taking the positives, it is one more point towards safety; Joe Tupper came away from his one game cover for the suspended Jonny Henly with a couple of good saves and a clean sheet in the bank and people continue to flock to Longmead in numbers, I hope any new attendees were not out of by this lack of a spectacle.
A few weeks ago, this game was being highlighted as a “must win” as Braintree languished at the foot of the table. But their run of form has seen the climb into relatively safe waters above Tonbridge in the league.
What can I report on the game, very, very little I have to say. Both sides huffed and puffed with a lack of quality that frustrated everybody. One felt they could have played for the proverbial month of Sundays and not found the net legitimately.
I use the word legitimately as the closest either team came to scoring was in the 46th minute when a cross into the box was met by Tom Beere whose header came down from the underside of the bar to be eventually tucked home by the same player only to be ruled out for offside.
First half chances were at a bare minimum with neither goalkeeper being troubled, in fact their gloves would have been as clean as they were as the teams walked from the dressing rooms.
After the initial excitement of the second half near miss for Tonbridge, the game reverted to the pattern of the first. There was a moderately brisk breeze and trying to be kind, could this have been a reason for the number of crosses from both sides that just sailed beyond the width of the sticks and that’s only the crosses that made it past the first man.
It was tedious watching, but as the game dragged on, the feeling was just get something out of this, one point is better than nothing.
Tupper had his moments including a good save from Kyran Clements with his feet and there was a comical moment towards the end when Braintree’s Stefan Ilic completely missed his kick, losing his balance in the process and ending in a heap on the ground, it really summed up the afternoon.
The only worthwhile analysis is, file it, forget it and move on to Concord Rangers on Tuesday evening for another important game.
Pictures: Adrian Love, Kathryn Bell and Wes Filtness
Tonbridge Angels (0) 0
Braintree Town (0) 0
Attendance: 765
Admission: Season Ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 38/6,019
Taking the positives, it is one more point towards safety; Joe Tupper came away from his one game cover for the suspended Jonny Henly with a couple of good saves and a clean sheet in the bank and people continue to flock to Longmead in numbers, I hope any new attendees were not out of by this lack of a spectacle.
A few weeks ago, this game was being highlighted as a “must win” as Braintree languished at the foot of the table. But their run of form has seen the climb into relatively safe waters above Tonbridge in the league.
What can I report on the game, very, very little I have to say. Both sides huffed and puffed with a lack of quality that frustrated everybody. One felt they could have played for the proverbial month of Sundays and not found the net legitimately.
I use the word legitimately as the closest either team came to scoring was in the 46th minute when a cross into the box was met by Tom Beere whose header came down from the underside of the bar to be eventually tucked home by the same player only to be ruled out for offside.
First half chances were at a bare minimum with neither goalkeeper being troubled, in fact their gloves would have been as clean as they were as the teams walked from the dressing rooms.
After the initial excitement of the second half near miss for Tonbridge, the game reverted to the pattern of the first. There was a moderately brisk breeze and trying to be kind, could this have been a reason for the number of crosses from both sides that just sailed beyond the width of the sticks and that’s only the crosses that made it past the first man.
It was tedious watching, but as the game dragged on, the feeling was just get something out of this, one point is better than nothing.
Tupper had his moments including a good save from Kyran Clements with his feet and there was a comical moment towards the end when Braintree’s Stefan Ilic completely missed his kick, losing his balance in the process and ending in a heap on the ground, it really summed up the afternoon.
The only worthwhile analysis is, file it, forget it and move on to Concord Rangers on Tuesday evening for another important game.
Pictures: Adrian Love, Kathryn Bell and Wes Filtness
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