Dulwich Hamlet (0) 1 Owusu 87
Tonbridge Angels (1) 2 Greenidge 37 Turner 81
Attendnace: 2,961
Admission: Pass
Programme: Not purchased
Mileage: 90/4,988
The seasonal away fixture at Dulwich Hamlet has become an event that is looked forward to by Tonbridge supporters in recent times.
Yes, we enjoy our banter with the hipster supporters that seemingly have very interest in what goes on on the other side of the pitch perimeter fencing; we deride the craft beer and expensive street food whilst the majority partake in some form, especially as the awkwardness of the drive and parking means most allow the train to take the strain. But, most of all, in recent seasons this has become a happy hunting ground.
The support that Dulwich continue to command is nothing short of amazing, if only because on this particular viewing, they are watching the worst Dulwich side that I can remember. Jonny Henly was, for the most part, a virtual spectator as the Angels eased to what should have been a far more comfortable win, whilst being short of their own best.
Jordan Greenidge’s midweek re-signing on loan to the end of the season brought him back into the starting XI along with Devonte Aransibia for Ruben Soares-Junior and Bivesh Gurung who dropped to the bench.
The Angels took charge of the game from the outset without overly threatening the home goalkeeper whilst Joe Felix brought a comfortable save from Henly.
Tonbridge proceeded to dominate the game completely, forcing a number of corners, that came to nothing, with Joe Turner leading the home defence a merry dance .
Just after the half-hour mark, Turner had a shot that was beaten away by Charlie Grainger and he was instrumental in the Angels taking a 37th minute lead. After dispossessing Quade Taylor, he strode forward to deliver an inch-perfect cross for Greenidge to smash into the roof of the net from close range at the near post. It was the big man’s 12th goal for the Angels in just 13 games.
Tonbridge might have gone two-up just before the break, and it would have been no more than they deserved, when Tommie Fagg met a Lewis Gard corner with a firm header but it was cleared from the line.
The second half progressed in much the same manner as the first with Fagg heading over and a shot from Tariq Hinds that was parried away by Grainger.
The only real surprise was that it took until nine minutes from time for the Angels to seemingly put the game to bed when Turner cut in from the right to fire in a shot that took a heavy deflection that wrong-footed Grainger.
So it was frustrating when the home side pulled a goal back in the 86th minute that led to a nervy last 10 minutes including time-added. A low cross in from the right was met at the far post by Nana Owusu, who had a tap-in but the game was seen out with little alarm.
The magic 45 points is safely passed before Valentine’s Day and with the Angels sitting just a point off the play-off places, we are about to enter into a period where, perhaps, the club’s ambition might be tested. That ambition, especially with the Greenidge signing, cannot be questioned at the present time but it might need further signings to make a serious assault on the top seven. This could become very interesting!
No comments:
Post a Comment