Tonbridge Angels U18 (1) 2 McLeod 20 Barton 70
Raynes Park Vale U18 (1) 2 26,68
Headcount: 30
Admission: Free
Programme: None
Mileage: 38/408
Weather: 18degC., dry
After being thankful for the end of the senior team’s preseason, along came an Under-18’s friendly that had all the hallmarks of a top of the table game.
Raynes Park Vale, last season’s Combined Counties Under-18 Champions, provided excellent opposition and Dom Welsh’s Angels needed to fight back from 2-1 down to earn a well-deserved draw.
The Angels’ U18’s fielded a side still short of a couple of what would be considered starting players, at this time of the year, no doubt RPV were similarly short.
After 20 minutes that RPV had slightly edged, Tonbridge went in front after a free kick for the visitors broke down, a defence splitting pass from Felix Waring sent Fin McLeod clear to beat the advancing goalkeeper with a composed finish.
Reuben Etherington brought a good save from the keeper whilst at the other end Toby Edwards turned over a shot from the edge of the box.
Raynes Park Vale equalised on 26 minutes from the spot after the award of a penalty for a foul.
Certainly for the remainder of the half RPV held the lion’s share of the game although just before the break, Adam Larkin saw his shot cleared from the line.
Both sides had second half chances before Raynes took the lead after 68 minutes when they capitalised on a poor defensive clearance with their goalscorer curling a shot into the top corner.
The lead wasn’t to last as the Angels hit back two minutes later when Fiachra Pritchard set up Harry Barton to similarly fire into the top corner with a great finish.
Both sides searched for a winner in the final 20 minutes with the Angels’ best chance falling to Barton, a 15 year-old who impressed from the bench, bringing a good save from the keeper.
A fine evening’s entertainment, belying the perception that preseason is one long trudge.
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