Wednesday 14 August 2024

Tonbridge Angels U18 3 Metropolitan Police U18 2

Match 14/24/2253 - Monday, 12th August 2024 - Pre-Season Friendly

Tonbridge Angels U18 (0) 3 Lucas 74 Penman 84,90
Metropolitan Police U18 (1) 2
Headcount: 35
Admission: Free
Mileage: 38/536

Tonbridge Angels U18’s came from behind with a three goals in the final half-hour to record a good win against Metropolitan Police, who last season won the Isthmian Youth League Central Division at a canter and also added the Surrey FA Youth Cup.

After a blistering day, the hottest of the year so far, the evening only cooled to the mid-20’s and the heat took its toll as both sides made a cautious start.

The first period in which very few chances were created was dominated by the Met with Angels’ goalkeeper, Josh Hanson, making a couple of fairly routine saves but could only look on helplessly on 16 minutes as a shot from outside of the box rattled the underside of the crossbar.

The early part of the second half saw an early breakthrough for the visitors when a raking pass from midfield found a Met player on the left to cut in and produce a very accomplished finish into the far bottom corner past Hanson.

Hanson saved well again on 51 minutes before the Angels youngsters came to life in the final half-hour. Efforts on goal came from Harry Barton, Callum Fincham and Rob Penman before Ashton Lucas drove home an equaliser from 20 yards on 74 minutes.

Tonbridge were now the dominant side and after Adam Larkin and Ethan Sargent saw efforts denied, Penman produced a bit of magic to curl a shot into the top corner.

A last minute goal from Penman, after Fiachra Pritchard had a shot block sealed the win, but the referee who was obviously enjoying himself far too much, allowed eight minutes of time added in which the Met pulled a goal back from a free kick.

Dom Welsh said afterwards: “I think the first half was okay, even enough. Neither side really threatened, but they certainly enjoyed more success. Second half, we were good for the duration of it, dominated the ball and created loads.”

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