Tonbridge Angels U18 (0) 1 Lucas 80
RG Punjab FC (2) 4 Suhail 10 Omang 16 Boby 73 Usham 90 Headcount: 65
Admission: Free
Mileage: 38/308
On Thursday, at Aston Villa’s Bodymoor Heath Training Ground, Punjab FC will line up for their opening match in the Next Generation Cup, organised by the Premier League.
In preparation for the competition, Punjab, from Mohali in the north-west of India, visited Longmead to meet Tonbridge Angels U18’s and entertained to a level that would suggest they are going to be good opposition for Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham in their group stage matches.
Dom Welsh said after the game, a 4-1 defeat for his charges: “The levels of technical ability and intensity the opposition showed tonight was fantastic to watch.”
Warm-up was an apt description on a very warm evening in which the Angels faced older opposition with their visitors being an Under-21 team.
Punjab were quick out the blocks and showcased their pace and ability from the opening stages in which they tested Angels goalkeeper, Matt Larkin before taking a 10th minute lead when a left sided pass inside of the defender, sent the speedy winger, Suhail, clear to tuck his chance away into the far corner.
They added a second after 16 minutes, when once more good movement and accurate passing opened up an opportunity for Omang to slot home.
Tonbridge managed to respond and impose some pressure of their own with a trialist putting a shot wide and after Callum Fincham had an effort saved the rebound was put over the bar. But, the closest they came to reducing the deficit was thwarted on the half-hour when a Punjab defender made a fantastic clearing header from the line.
The game was played in three 30 minute periods and in the final act of the first, Omang was extremely unlucky as he saw his shot rebound to safety after hitting both posts.
The second 30 minute period remained goalless despite Adam Larkin clipping the bar on 50 minutes and both goalkeepers making good saves.
The game was put out of the reach of the home side on 73 minutes when the slick passing Indian side showed there is still a place for route one with a long ball forward that saw Boby through on goal to finish past Larkin.
The Angels U18’s more than deserved a consolation goal and this duly came with 10 minutes remaining when a corner was headed on for 15 year-old Ashton Lucas to poach a finish at the far post.
The touring side had the last word in the final minute when they opened up the Angels defence to allow a tap-in at the far post for Usham.
Dom Welsh, speaking of his own team’s performance said: “They are a full time professional group, naturally quicker, sharper and fitter. But had we taken a few chances it may have been closer. But, our boys competed admirably and did the club proud.”
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