Tonbridge Angels U18 2 Gillingham U16 1

Match 05/24/2244 - Monday, 22nd July 2024 - Pre-Season Friendly

Tonbridge Angels U18 (2) 2 Barton 12,41
Gillingham U16 (1) 1 Unknown 25 Headcount: 80
Admission: Free
Mileage: 38/196

Tonbridge Angels U18’s produced a highly encouraging performance in their latest Pre-Season Friendly to beat a Gillingham XI at Longmead on Monday evening.

Under-18’s football has a two year cycle, each year players depart the age group but there is always a greater churn in the second year. This year it was the same as it ever was and last season’s squad that came within two points of winning the title was broken up with manager Dom Welsh through the summer rebuilding for the new season.

After an opening PSF which brought a 1-0 win against Glebe the visit of Gillingham promised, and found, a much sterner test which the new intake handled exceptionally well.

Whilst Gillingham fielded a side that was labelled as Under-16’s, Dom Welsh also named a squad that contained three Under-16’s, 10 first years (effectively Under-17’s) and just four second years.

A very healthy attendance, enjoying free admission, that approached the three figure mark were treated to a competitive and entertaining encounter that was won by the Angels with two goals from Harry Barton.

The Angels opening goal came after 12 minutes with a lovely passage of play that ended with a cross from Arthur Gregory that found Barton, who dispatched his shot into the bottom corner.

The Gills were on level terms on 25 minutes when a scramble in the box saw a stabbed shot find its way past goalkeeper Josh Hanson.

Tonbridge regained their momentum with the Gills goalkeeper denying efforts from Fiachra Pritchard and skipper Adam Larkin although Hanson needed to be alert making a good save with his feet from a Gills wing back.

The lead was regained on 41 minutes when a Larkin cross was finished clinically by Barton.

Despite the second period ending goalless, there were plenty of chances for both sides with Hanson making a good last minute save to preserve the friendly win for the Angels.