Tonbridge Angels (0) 1 Wagstaff 84
Ebbsfleet United (1) 1 Wright 42
Attendance: 1,770
Admission: Season Ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 38/5,912
All week I had labelled this encounter as a free hit with low expectation. True, the Angels were in decent form but their opponents were 14 games unbeaten and coming in off the back of a 7-2 demolition of play-off chasing Worthing. But, for manager’s, there is no such thing as a free hit and Jay Saunders surprised many with his team selection that saw leading goalscorer Jordan Greenidge rested to the bench.
Plenty of people in an attendance of 1,770, a league game record for Longmead, heeded the advice to arrive early and the bars and tea shacks were busy over an hour before kick-off. Naturally enough, given their runaway status at the top of National League South, Ebbsfleet brought a healthy support, estimated at around 600.
Through the first half, the game seemed to be taking its expected course with the Angels aiding the visitors cause with a half in which they gave the ball away, too often and far too cheaply.
But, in truth, despite a huge amount of possession, clear cut chances for Ebbsfleet were few and far between. After 10 minutes, Jonny Henly saved comfortably a low shot from Omari Sterling-James and it was another 25 minutes before he was tested again, taking a knock for his trouble.
In between, Tonbridge had their moments with Mark Cousins saving at his near post from Tariq Hinds and a Joe Turner free kick from a good position clearing the bar.
Greg Cundle had the ball in the Angels net on 35 minutes but was clearly offside and as the clock ticked towards the break, hopes of getting to the dressing room unscathed were dashed when a shot from Josh Wright came back from the crossbar and as bodies tumbled in the box, the ball landed back at Wright’s feet to stab it home.
Devonte Aransibia was introduced for the injured Jamie Fielding at the break and immediately Tonbridge retained possession better and with it Scott Wagstaff’s influence grew.
That’s not to say that Ebbsfleet didn’t have their chances early in the second period to put the game to bed. Cundle was through one-on-one with Henly, but the goalkeeper came out on top.
But now the home side were creating their own chances as Turner shot into the side netting and Jack Wood fired over after good work from Hinds and when, with seven minutes remaining, an ugly clearance from Haydn Hollis bounced of his own bar, you sensed that the league leaders were wobbling.
And from the resultant corner, Ben Swift headed back into the centre from beyond the far post, Tommie Fagg challenged and as the ball dropped, Wagstaff stabbed home at the second attempt.
An Aransibia effort from 20 yards dipped at the last moment and only narrowly cleared the bar to deny what would have been a celebrated double.
Disgruntled Ebbsfleet fans were heard grumbling about their team and the miles travelled as they departed. Cheer up guys, you’ll win the league by more than 20 points and next season Gateshead is a mere 300 miles away.
Pictures: Kathryn Bell
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