Tonbridge Angels U18 (1) 1 Martin-Coward 28
Kings Hill (0) 1
Headcount: 35
Admission: Free
Programme: None
Mileage: 38/331
Weather: 16degC., dry
Due to unavailability, Tonbridge Angels Under-18’s opening friendly at home to Kings Hill's first team morphed into a joint Academy run out as Dom Welsh mixed the two sides.
In a game, ridiculously competitive for a friendly, the youngsters were subjected to a physical test that they are unlikely to experience within their age groups this season. But, they stood up to the challenge, more than deserving of their share of the spoils.
Despite the first chance of the game falling to the Angels, the goalkeeper saving from Fin McLeod, it was the visitors who made the early running with Jay Blake saving a header and another missing the target.
But once the Angels settled their extra pace had the Kings Hill defence struggling with McLeod hitting a post and Hayden Velvick being sent clear but denied by the goalkeeper.
Words out of turn saw goalkeeper Blake sin binned with stand-in skipper Adam Larkin having to sit out the 10 minute penalty whilst Blake was substituted for Toby Edwards.
Leo Vowles showed all the qualities that has taken him into the first team squad with a cross that begged a touch before setting up the opening goal following a corner routine that saw him jink along the by-line before supplying a low cross for Ben Martin-Coward to score from close range after 28 minutes.
With Larkin returning to bring the Angels back to a full complement, the post was struck again this time by Josh McArthur, quickly followed by a header from Velvick that was narrowly wide.
Kings Hill almost went into the break on level terms when a free kick from the edge of the box was well saved by Edwards with the loose ball being shot against a post.
Kings Hill came out with a purpose in the second half and were level within five minutes when the ball was bundled home at the far post and for a while they were the dominant side.
As the half progressed the game became an even contest again but it was the visitors that were offered an opportunity to go in front as they were awarded a penalty following a trip. But the spot kick was missed.
It was the Angels youngsters that finished the stronger as McLeod brought a save from the keeper and then when sent through, a barge in back saw a Kings Hill defender shown a red card. The free kick from the edge of the box sailed over and the referee drew down the curtains on a rather spicy friendly.
Manager Dom Welsh thought his side stood up well to the challenge and played some outstanding football at times.
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