Tonbridge Angels 1 Dover Athletic 0

Match 17/23/2140 - Tuesday, 16th August 2023 - National League South

Tonbridge Angels (1) 1 Gard 26
Dover Athletic (0) 0
Attendance: 1,046

Admission: Season Ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 38/714
Weather: 20degC., dry

It is a ridiculous notion that the third game of any season could have a “must win” consideration, but there was a feeling that, if nothing else, points on the board would reinvigorate the pre-season optimism that had quickly dissipated following two single goal results. That it came against Kent rivals Dover Athletic, with their spicy support, was an added bonus.

The lack of a goal in the opening two games obviously influenced the decision to bring Stefan Payne and Ibby Akanbi, genuine strikers, into the starting line-up. Payne, who was only ever going to have an hour in the tank, gave us glimpses of what we might be able to expect whilst Akanbi impressed as his partner.

Dover had the ball in the net after nine minutes but the whistle had long since gone for offside against Sutherland and at the other end, following a corner lofted beyond the far post, Payne was denied by a good save from Billy Terrell.

The Angel opened the scoring on 26 minutes after the ball had been won in the centre circle by Jordan Higgs, Ruben Soares-Junior sent Tariq Hinds away down the right. The wing back’s cut back found Lewis Gard, whose shot from the edge of the box found its way through a crowd of bodies to nestle in the corner.

The Angels dominated the rest of the half without adding to the scoreline but goalkeeper Terrell had to be alert to turn over an Akanbi free kick.

Tonbridge were still largely in control of the game in the second period, when on the hour mark, a Jamie Fielding foul in the. box accounted for the award of a penalty. Sutherland shot to Jonny Henly’s right but the keeper was equal to it and the header from the rebound landed tamely in the Angels’ keeper’s hands.

Payne made way for Joe Turner on 65 minutes and five minutes later, a Jernade Meade cross was deflected against his own post by a defender with the return being well struck by Turner only for Terrell to make a fine stop.

There were half chances for both sides for the remaining time and what ultimately became 10 minutes of added time were nervous moments but the Angels saw it through for a well deserved first three points on the board.

A little bit of stupidity between the sets of supporters added a touch more satisfaction that the visitors were sent home with nothing to show for their journey.