Punjab United 0 Cockfosters 2

Match 73/25/2415 - Saturday, 3rd April 2026 - FA Vase Semi-Final, Second Leg

Punjab United (0) 0
Cockfosters (1) 2 Lutaaya 12 Da Cruz 86
Cockfosters win 3-1 on aggregate
Attendance: 1,209
Admission: £5
Mileage: 48/4,483

NO SAMOSAS ON WEMBLEY WAY

Nine years ago, I walked into the then named Elite Venue, merely as an end of season groundhop, as Punjab United were celebrating promotion from the Kent County League. Romantics say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and delicious, free samosas certainly endeared the club to myself and fellow hopper, Jim Case, for whom Punjab was to become his second club.

Back in 2017, despite admission being free, a headcount only amounted to 45. Today, for an unimaginable FA Vase Semi-Final, there were more people in the queue outside than I’ve ever seen inside the presently named Steve Cook Stadium, renamed in memory of the club’s legendary groundsman.

The Gravesend-based club’s preview stated that the ground capacity was 1,000 but 1,209 squeezed into the ground with the final people in the queue entering 20 minutes after kick-off.

This semi-final second leg was evenly balanced after last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Spartan South Midlands League Cockfosters, who are based in the London Borough of Enfield.

A stiff wind that blew down the slope and the prize of a Wembley appearance ensured that the game was never going to be a classic and ultimately it was Cockfosters that just had that little bit more nous who earned what will be a mere 12 mile journey to play under the arch.

Punjab were handed the questionable advantage of the slope and the wind in the first half but failed to adapt to the conditions with pass after pass being overhit and many of goalkeeper Mitchell Beeney’s punts from his hands carrying the full length of the pitch.

After 11 minutes, a superb block from Punjab’s Wayne Bushell was required to deny Kendall Gymafi, but from the resultant corner, the visitors took the lead in a spectacular manner. The corner was headed clear and as the ball dropped on the right side of the penalty area, George Lutaaya hooked the ball high over his head and, as almost everyone expected to see the ball sail away over the bar, it dipped under the bar at the far post. It was either a superb piece of improvisation or a complete fluke, only George will know.

Punjab needed to take advantage of the conditions and went close on the half-hour when Jack Hopkins saw his effort cleared from the line and, just before the break, there were heads in hands as a corner led to a scramble in the six yard box the ended with the ball drifting agonisingly wide.

The second half was one in which Cockfosters showed their defensive resilience and game management as they drew every last second out of the game whilst Punjab were unable to craft much in the way of opportunities.

The game was settled with four minutes remaining when the flight of a long throw from Matt Shaw was misjudged by Beeney and Jandir Da Cruz was on hand to plant an easy header.

It has been a wonderful run for a popular club in Punjab United, but Cockfosters deserve their day where they will meet AFC Stoneham, from the Southampton area, who would probably enter the final as favourites.

Tonbridge Angels 1 Ebbsfleet United 2

Match 72/25/2414 - Friday, 2nd April 2026 - National League South

Tonbridge Angels (0) 1 Leahy 88
Ebbsfleet United (2) 2 Chapman 5 Appiah 15
Attendance: 1,597
Admission: Season Ticket
Mileage: 38/4,435

EASTER EGGSPECTATIONS

Easter is widely considered the make or break at the business end (cliche on cliche), two games in three days that can define their season.

But for a group of just four teams marooned in the middle of the National League South, the pressure is off. All four of those clubs are probably where they hoped to be come the final table with only Tonbridge Angels celebrating climbing away from a precarious position.

For the Angels' visitors on Good Friday, Ebbsfleet United, there is perhaps an element of disappointment that they are hovering around the lower end of the play-off places and not challenging at the very top, but such is the congestion that a good Easter might still see them snapping at Dorking Wanderers heels.

Ebbsfleet supporters obviously feel there is still a lot more to play for than the play-offs, turning out in big numbers for this Kent derby that, thankfully, takes place without segregation and with absolutely nothing but mutual respect for each other.

A recurring theme of this blog is when the heavy coat is going to be finally ditched and despite having two alternatives in the boot of the car, it continued to be a heavy coat day, such are the vagaries of Easter weather.

If Ebbsfleet’s need for the points was the greater it showed from the outset with two goals in the opening quarter hour and a dominant first half seeing them take a control of the game that was always going to be difficult to wrestle from them.

A misplaced pass saw the ball land at the feet of Ben Chapman, who curled his shot into the far corner past a helpless Matt Rowley for a fifth minute lead.

These early stages exposed the gulf between the teams with the Angels mostly chasing shadows before the lead was doubled in the easiest of fashions. A right-sided corner was sent beyond the far post from where it was headed back into the centre of the six yard box by Toby Edser for Kwasi Appiah to finish, unchallenged, with a header.

Credit to the Angels, having been given the runaround in the opening 20 minutes, they could have folded but were only denied halving the deficit by a fine save from the Ebbsfleet goalkeeper, Matt Hall, who turned over a 20 yard strike from Sean Shields.

In his post-match interview, Angels manager Alan Dunne admitted he had got his team selection wrong and, on 37 minutes, Marcus Sablier was substituted for the more robust frame of Alfie Pavey.

Pavey’s first contribution was a goal line clearance from a header from former Angel Ronnie Nelson.

Ebbsfleet might have put the game out of reach early in the second half when a shot from Coley struck the post with the rebound falling to Appiah who stumbled over the ball before poking it wide from no distance.

A raft of substitutions saw the Angels gain a new momentum and had a 79th minute goal from Tom Leahy had counted perhaps an unlikely point might have within reach, but after a shot from Bunmi Babajide had only been parried by Hall into the path of Leahy, who tucked home only for the celebrations to be immediately curtailed by the linesman’s flag.

With two minutes for regular time remaining, Tonbridge gave themselves hope with a well constructed goal involving substitute Francis Mampolo, Babajide and finished by Leahy, but with a paltry three minutes of added time, Ebbsfleet professionally kept the ball in the corner before the referee became bored enough to call it a day.

Certainly, opinion was that, at least for 45 minutes, Ebbsfleet were the best side seen this season and consideration has to be taken that they were able to leave leading scorer Dominic Samuel on the bench for 70-odd minutes, such is their depth.

But with their resources comes expectation and, however it comes, nothing less than National League football next season is acceptable, but at that top end there are eight or nine clubs with the same expectations.

And Easter might just see some of those hopes disappear like a chocolate egg in the hands of a child.

Picture: Ebbsfleet X

Staplehurst Monarchs 3 Lewisham Borough 1

Match 71/25/2413 - Tuesday, 31st March 2026 - SSCEFL First Division

Staplehurst Monarchs (1) 3
Lewisham Borough (1) 1
Attendance: 52
Admission: £5
Mileage: 2/4,397

HOME COMFORTS

Almost shamefully, here we are in the closing month of the season and I manage my first visit of the season to my home village club, Staplehurst Monarchs.

This sad state of affairs has not been dictated by apathy towards the club, an evening spent a mile down the road is always a pleasure, but a few personal difficulties plus the ongoing problem of the Jubilee Field pitch have meant that several available Tuesday’s have been lost to postponements.

In the last week we have had the fanfare of the first spades into the earth as work gets underway of a near £1 million project to install a 3G Multi-Sport pitch at the Jubilee. Whilst the installation will bring huge benefits to the Staplehurst community, and in particular, the hugely successful Monarchs Youth programme, which puts many senior clubs to shame in Kent, it will not directly affect the senior sides as the footprint for the surface is outside of the stadium.

So, in the event of another wet winter, the Southern Counties East First Division team and its Under-23 counterparts, are likely to suffer from postponements once more. From the 15th November through to 28th February, Staplehurst were only able to play one home game and, it has to be assumed that this seriously damaged their chances of making one of the play-off spots.

As it happens, they sit in eight place, four points shy of sixth but a whopping 14 points adrift of Lordswood, who occupy the final play-off position and due credit should be placed with Ian Docker, in his first season at the helm.

There was nothing about the pitch that pointed towards its troubles of the past few months as it looked absolutely pristine, freshly mown as a relatively mild evening turned colder into the second half making the decision not to ditch the bigger coat a good one. The evening also brought to first whiff of the Staplehurst slurry, a wicked smell that afflicts the local residents each spring!

Lewisham Borough arrived, sitting in the bottom three just below the dotted line that could see them relegated into county league football. They brought with them a gaggle of supporters, one of which saw himself as a counterpart of the Witham One, regaling the rest of the 52 attendance with his repertoire of songs all on his own.

Lewisham got their noses in front after 10 minutes when a superb pass from Jeff Oredein released Andrea Carrera down the right who ran on to produced a composed finish into the far, bottom corner past Steve Lawrence.

Just two minutes later, the Hurst were level with a remarkably similar goal. This time the Monarchs number seven, Morgan Davidge released his number nine, Manny Cuttress to produce the same outcome. Same move, same shirt numbers, same finish. Quite uncanny!

The rest of the first period was evenly contested with the closest to a further goal coming with five minutes remaining when a 25 yard effort from Staplehurst’s Tagan Kray was fumbled by the Lewisham goalkeeper, who reached behind him to retrieve the ball from the line.

If the first half had nothing separating the teams, the second belonged to the home team who scored twice in two minutes to secure the points.

James Boughtflower made saves to deny Kieran Pallett and Oliver Lankshear before the Monarchs took the lead on 77 minutes when Boughtflower misjudged an inswinging corner from James Delaney that went straight in.

Two minutes later, a cross from Delaney was only partially cleared to the edge of the box to substitute Donnell Sama who drove his shot home.

Delaney brought a good save from the keeper as Staplehurst closed out the game with ease.

Chesham United 1 Tonbridge Angels 0

Match 70/25/2412 - Saturday, 28th March 2026 - National League South

Chesham United (0) 1 Williams 61
Tonbridge Angels (0) 0
Attendance: 752
Admission: £10
Mileage: 184/4,395

CABBAGE PATCH WOE

After three wins on the spin that have assured National League South safety and cup success it was almost inevitable that there would be a fall to earth with a bump and a cabbage patch pitch with a robust home side were the perfect recipe for such a happening.

Chesham United have been this season’s surprise packet and with this single goal win against Tonbridge Angels continue to sit on the fringes of the play-off places looking to take advantage of any slip ups in front of them. This was their third Saturday home game in a row and, unsurprisingly, they have won them all, their style is geared to the limitations imposed by the surface and they do it well.

The Meadows, with its picturesque backdrop of the rolling Chiltern hills, is approaching its century of years as home to Chesham and treading the fine line between being charmingly quirky and dilapidated. It has large areas of terracing, but the steps are high and higgedly-piggedly, at places inviting an accident. The main stand, that just about makes the National League minimum amount of seats, is quaint.

Non-League Day brings his advantages, to which a tenner admission as a reward for arriving before 2pm was gratefully accepted, but also brings the downside of young children being allowed to run about to the point of the stadium announcer needed to make the aforementioned point that the terraces are an accident waiting to happen.

Hale showers preceded our arrival and pre-match and the bright sunshine was negated in terms of warmth by a cold wind. I cannot remember, although there surely would’ve been, feeling quite as cold this late into the football season.

News of the re-signing of Ricky Korboa and Brad Williams was appreciated by the Tonbridge supporters who were pleased to see the planning for next season underway at this early stage. No blank piece of paper going into June this year!

The aforementioned state of the pitch dictated that this was never going to be a classic and, as poor as the Angels were, it was to their credit that they remained in the game for its duration.

Manager Alan Dunne made three changes from Tuesday’s penalty shootout, Kent Senior Cup, success at Chatham with Bunmi Babajide, Frankie Baker and Naz Bakrin starting.

The home side had the better of an uneventful first half in which neither goalkeeper was particularly stretched to a save of note, with the main point of interest being the large black cloud overhead and what it was about to dump on us. As it happened it reflected the on-field action, very little.

The second half was marginally better with Chesham going close with a header before taking the lead just past the hour when a clearance whilst stretching to intercept from Ethan Sutcliffe fell at the feet of Alfie Williams, who angled a shot into the far corner for a composed finish.

The goal gave impetus to the last 20 minutes with the visitors responding well, but not before Matt Rowley was needed to save at his near post from Kai Yearn to deny the home side doubling their advantage.

Tonbridge’s efforts mostly foundered on the solid defensive partnership of Steve Brown and Callum Adebiyi and when they managed efforts on target from substitute Sean Shields, goalkeeper Ben Goode was sound.

It was hard to disagree with Dunne’s assessment that it has been a long but rewarding month and perhaps this was a game too far.

Chatham Town 1 Tonbridge Angels 1

Match 69/25/2411 - Tuesday, 24th March 2026 - Kent Senior Cup Semi-Final

Chatham Town (0) 1 Cooper 78
Tonbridge Angels (0) 1 Baker 55
Tonbridge Angels won on penalties 6-5
Attendance: 816
Admission: £8
Mileage: 34/4,211

A COUNTY CUP FINAL, REALLY?

This is a football blog, so let’s get that out of the way first! In a howling gale, at times driving rain, this was never going to be one for the purist and it certainly was not. It was scrappy, attritional and, for large parts one hoped that one skilful moment would settle it, thus avoiding the lottery of a penalty shootout.

As it happened the second half brought two great finishes, but one for each side, and the spot kick drama needed to unfold.

After four successful spot kicks and one saved by Angels’ goalkeeper Matt Rowley, the scene was set for Alfie Pavey to complete the contest but his effort was saved by Nathan Harvey and the drama continued beyond the first five designated takers when Kian Moyes levelled for the hosts. Three successful penalties, one for Bunmi Babajide when memories of his missed penalty at Chippenham swirled around the Angels’ faithful. Up stepped Tope Fadahunsi for the Chats, his shot was pushed upwards by Rowley, diving to his right and when the ball rebounded off the crossbar, he became engulfed by ecstatic team mates.

Tonbridge’s history is barely a history in the County Cup. They haven’t won it since 1975 and their last appearance in the Final, 13 years ago, is best forgotten as they lost 7-1 at Longmead to a Charlton Athletic Under-23 squad.

Back in October, Chatham knocked the Angels out of the FA Cup. It was a result that was richly deserved, but as good as the Chats were on the day, it was felt that the Angels had not done themselves justice and to progress to the Kent Senior Cup Final at their expense would be seen as a modicum of recompense.

Chatham are also firmly in the playoff-off chase, nobody is going to catch Jay Saunders’ Folkestone Invicta, but the jostling for the advantageous places perhaps dictated their team selection with a couple of notable absentees. Meanwhile, Alan Dunne made three changes but the starting XI looked as strong as possible.

The hosts started the brighter with Matty Macarthur, an ex-Angels loanee, to the fore, but once the Angels settled into the game they were the dominant side with wind-assisted corner after corner from Bailey Akehurst dropping underneath the crossbar, giving Harvey acute discomfort.

But, in truth, the only winner during the first period was the wind with my half-time thoughts being that the home side had been subdued to the point that the atmosphere barely resembled that of a semi-final.

Dunne brought life to the game at the start of the second period bringing Frankie Baker, Babajide and Kyle Smith into the game and the added pace of the front two brought a different dimension and pretty much an immediate dividend as a misplaced pass saw Baker run clear of a labouring defender to finish with aplomb as Harvey advanced.

Babajide’s pace and quick feet continued to harass the Chatham back line and, just three minutes after the goal, his effort was agonisingly deflected wide of the post.

Akehurst saw a couple of shots go narrowly over and substitute Sean Shields tested Harvey as the Angels took charge of the game, so it came as a surprise when a misplaced pass from Matt Warren landed at the feet of Simon Cooper, who took aim from 25 yards to find the bottom corner.

Buoyed by their equaliser, it was the Chats that made the late running and probably the Angels who were the more relieved to hear the final whistle, despite Rowley not being unduly tested.

And so to penalties, once again history doesn’t reflect well on Tonbridge, but Pavey apart they were immaculate.

Wednesday, 22nd April at Priestfield Stadium sees 1975 revisited with Maidstone United once again the opponents. Alan Dunne promised us memories, after 51 years it will be nice to have a new one.

Pictures: David Couldridge

Tonbridge Angels U18 7 AFC Whyteleafe 2

Match 68/25/2410 - Monday, 23rd March 2026 - Isthmian Youth League

Tonbridge Angels U18 (5) 7
AFC Whyteleafe U18 (2) 2
Headcount: 45
Admission: Season Ticket
Mileage: 38/4,177

ONE LAST STEP REQUIRED!

Tonbridge Angels Under-18’s took one more step towards retaining their Isthmian Youth League East title with a surprisingly comfortable win over AFC Whyteleafe.

Last week’s reverse fixture was a tightly contested win for the Angels that could have gone either way and when the Surrey side took a 2-1 lead after 22 minutes much of the same was expected.

But the U18’s stepped up a gear and three late first half goals took the game away from the visitors.

After a bright opening from Whyteleafe, the Angels took the lead on seven minutes when Mackenzie Richardson was sent clear by River Ballach, he saw his initial shot parried back into his path by the goalkeeper to finish at the second attempt.

The lead was only to last five minutes when an uncharacteristic mistake from Jacob Hunt allowed a tap in for the equaliser and following a free kick, a header put the visitors in front.

Stung into a response, Richardson struck the underside of the bar before Ballach’s cross was finished at the far post by Robert Penman on the half-hour.

Ballach added a goal to his two assists when his cross-cum-shot sailed over the keeper’s head into the far corner to put the Angels in front.

The Angels youngsters were now dominant and two goals in first half added time saw them enter the break with a comfortable lead. Richardson set up Callum Fincham for the fourth and with the last kick of the half, Penman added his second.

Despite it being one-way traffic into the second period, it took until the 68th minute to add a sixth when Penman completed his hat-trick from a tight angle.

Three minutes from time substitute Kyler Barton added a seventh to set up the finale at Haywards Heath next month whilst expecting Cobham to win their remaining two games.

As the youth season begins to wind down, perhaps this is a good time to reflect on the progress made in the youth programme at the Yeomans Community Stadium.

Five years ago, I stepped down from the board at Tonbridge Angels, frustrated that the previous U18 set up had seen its demise and the prospect of regaining control of the club’s Kent Youth League teams from Tonbridge Juniors seemingly impossible.

Under the club’s chair, Sophie Purves, who shared my frustration, the 3G pitch was laid which firstly allowed the reinstatement of the Isthmian U18 side, and subsequently this season, the KYL sides returning to our badge that has already brought a title for the U16’s; a potential title and a Cup Final for the U15’s; at worst a runners-up spot for the U14’s and a solid season after a shaky start for the youngest group at U13.

The next stage of the development sees the Academy brought in-house completing the pathway from U13 through to the senior team. It has been a while since Sonny Miles made that journey, but now, the pathway is in place for someone to emulate his achievement.

There is much more to be done in both the boys and girls programme, but the Sophie and her board have shown the desire to further the set-up and Tonbridge Angels will be a stronger and better club for it.

Picture: Emma Wheeler

Tonbridge Angels 2 Bath City 1

Match 67/25/2409 - Saturday, 21st March 2026 - National League South

Tonbridge Angels (1) 1Akehurst 18 (pen) Babajide 53
Bath City (1) 1 Wilson 8
Attendance: 1,762
Admission: Season Ticket
Mileage: 38/4,139

HOME AND DRY!

The somewhat unexpected three points obtained at Weston-super-Mare on Tuesday, mathematics aside, assured safety in National League South for another season leaving supporters of Tonbridge Angels to enjoy the last six games and engage in the speculation of who might, and who might not, be around next season.

As a guest of the match sponsor, we were treated to the pre-match briefing from manager Alan Dunne who replying to the host’s question regarding the run-in said there would be no foot off the pedal; players were playing to keep their shirts and in so doing keep themselves in the front of the manager’s mind when it comes to dishing out the new contracts.

One such player is Bailey Akehurst. The Tonbridge wing back has had an in and out season, probably spending too much time on the bench for his own liking but in recent weeks has given the manager a hefty nudge, as if he needed it, to the quality that he can bring to the party.

Today, after slotting home a first half penalty to bring the Angels level, Akehurst produced the pass of the season, perfectly weighted so that Bunmi Babajide didn’t need to break stride before clinically finishing to extend the Angels recent run to seven wins in nine and a fourth consecutive home win whilst consolidating Bath City’s position in the bottom four.

I would be sad to see Bath relegated. It’s a good day out or a great weekend away and the fixture holds a special significance personally. At the risk of trotting out a story that has been published on this blog previously, back in 1959 this fixture is where my history with Tonbridge began.

My Dad, never an Angels supporter, took me to the old Angel Ground principally to watch Charlie Fleming, an ex-Sunderland striker who dropped into non-league football, surprisingly early at the age of 31, after scoring 62 goals in three years at Roker Park. Nicknamed Cannonball for his ferocious shot he became a legend at Twerton Park, making 300 appearances and scoring 216 goals.

He scored twice that day at the Angel as Bath took home the points, but for me the seeds had been sown with the home side.

Despite the very late, 3am evidently, return from Weston on Tuesday, Dunne went with an unchanged line-up on a day of bright sunshine and a huge crowd as the Angels made the game their second Community Day, in which local schools were offered free tickets.

Bath no longer have a Cannonball Fleming, but they do have a sharp striker in Scott Wilson, who gave the visitors an eighth minute lead, converting with a near post header after the West Country side had had much the better of the early exchanges.

Tonbridge were level on 18 minutes when a clumsy challenge saw Frankie Baker felled in the box allowing Akehurst to use his trusty left foot to good effect from the spot.

The first half became pretty much even steven with the visitors almost inexplicably failing to regain their lead on the half-hour when Josh Laqertabua brought a smart save from Matt Rowley and, as Akehurst got his feet in a tangle attempting the clearance, Jaiden Putman slammed his shot against the bar when it would have been easier to score.

In reply, Babajide saw his effort saved by Harvey Wiles-Richards after a good build up involving Ricky Korboa and Marcus Sablier.

Early in the second period, Wilson was denied by a superb block from Jordon Thompson before, on 53 minutes, Akehurst’s wonder pass set up Babajide’s ultimate winner.

The Angels dominated proceedings from that moment but just couldn’t find the goal that would have put the game to bed.

Wiles-Richards made good saves to deny substitutes Sean Shields, Tom Leahy and a goal for a third consecutive game by Ethan Sutcliffe.

Bath had very little left in the tank to threaten in the Angels in the closing minutes despite being given seven extra mminutes to find a goal.

So on the sidelines it is time to relax and enjoy, a pleasure that in all likelihood denied to players looking to the future.

Pictures: David Couldridge

Gillingham 0 Swindon Town 2

Match 66/25/2408 - Tuesday, 17th March 2026 - League Two

Gillingham (0) 0
Swindon Town (0) 2 Drinan 69 Holman 85
Attendance: 4,991
Admission: £22
Mileage: 45/4,101

GILLS IMPROVE, BUT WITHOUT REWARD

It might not have been the best evening to return to Gillingham for the first time in five weeks and with two five goal hammerings in the last two games and a visit from the old enemy, Swindon Town, the prospects were not encouraging.

The resulting 2-0 defeat for the Gills was predictable but the manner of the loss was not. By any matrix Gillingham were extremely unlucky, they dominated almost every area of the game barring the opening 15 minutes when confidence was obviously shaken by the recent results. But, as we are regularly advised by football managers, if you don’t take your chances, you are vulnerable and Swindon, with their only two shots on target, scored twice following questionable defending.

Tempering my disappointment, Tonbridge Angels won with a late goal at Weston-super-Mare, thereby reaching 50 points, safety and a another National League South season to enjoy.

There was a time when the animosity between the clubs, dating back to 1979, Ray McHale, Danny Westwood and the old-timer threatening the referee with his walking stick, would have brought a full house but, whether it was Gillingham’s woeful form or that the rivalry has now faded into the mists of time, an attendance of 4,991 was paltry.

Gillingham might have gone into the break one or two goals in front without the superb interventions from the Swindon goalkeeper, Connor Ripley, who belied the Rainham End jibes regarding his ample girth, brilliantly turning over a shot heading for the top corner from Ronan Hale after 31 minutes and diving low to claw away a header from Omar Beckles following a corner.

Attacking the Rainham End in the second half, a Remeao Hutton cross into the box looked destined to finish in the net as Hale attempted to get on the end of it from close range but the ball was scrambled to safety.

On 69 minutes, the Gills paid for their inability to take their chances when a long punt forward by Ripley, saw two defenders attack the same ball with neither making a meaningful contact but saw Aaron Drinan race clear to clinically finish.

Gillingham created further scrambles in the Swindon area without converting and the coup de grace came five minutes from time when Fletcher Holman scored a second following Joel McGregor’s low cross into the box.

The appreciative applause from the home crowd at the final whistle showed an understanding that this had been a much improved performance, if not the desired result.

AFC Whyteleafe U18 1 Tonbridge Angels U18 2

Match 65/25/2407 - Monday, 16th March 2026 - Isthmian Youth League

AFC Whyteleafe U18 (1) 1
Tonbridge Angels U18 (2) 2 Penman 45+1 Lucas 45+5
Headcount: 53
Admission: Free
Mileage: 82/4,056

IT'S IN THEIR HANDS!

A battle was expected. A battle was got. A battle was won.

Tonbridge Angels Under-18’s have the retaining of their Isthmian Youth East title within their own hands following a titanic battle at Whyteleafe, who given their second half onslaught of the Angels’ goal might justifiably feel that they deserved something out of the game. But the visiting defence, superbly led by skipper Ed Dyer, stood firm to take home the valuable points.

A month ago this, and the return fixture at the Yeomans next Monday, looked every inch title deciders, but a recent drop-off of form from Whyteleafe and a consecutive run of seven wins (including a home win against Tonbridge) from Cobham has seen off Whyteleafe’s challenge.

Both Tonbridge and Cobham have two games remaining, Tonbridge lead the division by a single point, and should it come to it, a massive advantage in goal difference. The Angels final two games see the Whyteleafe return and a visit to Haywards Heath whilst Cobham entertain AFC Croydon and visit Lancing, a match frustratingly still to be arranged.

During daylight hours Spring does appear to be upon us but the evenings still retain a chill as was already the case at kick-off time at Church Road.

Whyteleafe, perhaps sensing this was their last chance saloon, started the game like the trains that regularly run behind the stadium and within the opening minute, Angels’ goalkeeper, Jacob Hunt brought off a brilliant save as a home forward bore down on goal.

Having taken due warning from the early scare, the visitors took control of the game and it was the Whyeleafe goalkeeper that needed to be on his toes to deny attempts from Harry Bingham and River Ballach either side of Robert Penman’s drive that was narrowly over.

As the game settled, it became a keenly contested affair, sensibly refereed by Abi Oyeleke. After 21 minutes, Whyteleafe hit a post and with four minutes remaining of the half, they took the lead when their goalscorer was sent clear to tuck the ball past the advancing Hunt.

As the half ticked into added time, Tonbridge won a free kick on the left that was sent towards the near post from where, the ever-alert Penman squeezed the ball home for an equaliser.

With the added time ticking into its fifth minute, the visitors won another free kick, this time, 25 yards from goal and more central. Penman’s low, rasping shot was well saved by the goalkeeper, but the rebound fell into the path of Ashton Lucas who found the net with the last kick of the half.

I don’t think anyone expected the second period to remain goalless as the two sides slugged it out, with on occasions tempers becoming a little frayed but always within the control of the referee.

Of possession, Whyteleafe had the better of the half but, barring one occasion when he saved brilliantly low to his left, Hunt was not seriously tested, much to the credit of the defenders in front of him. Meanwhile, the Angels had chances through Callum Fincham and Penman that might have put the game to bed.

Tonbridge saw the game out, in the corner of the pitch, as Whyteleafe’s frustration led to a series of free kicks.

Dom Welsh commented after the game: “We got home, just about. We were not at our best, but at the business end of the season it is a points game.”

Horsham 0 Tonbridge Angels 1

Match 64/25/2406 - Saturday, 14th March 2026 - National League South

Horsham (0) 0
Tonbridge Angels (0) 1 Sutcliffe 90
Attendance: 1,468
Admission: £11
Mileage: 134/3,974

WHISPER IT QUIETLY – MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Whisper it very quietly as the magic 50 point mark remains three points away, but Dunney has dun[ne] it, mission accomplished.

A first visit to the Fusion Aviation Community Stadium, the Hop Oast trips off the tongue a lot easier, brought a 1-0 win with a 90th minute goal from Ethan Sutcliffe in a game that had mid-table, end of season written all over it, except for Tonbridge Angels at least, there was just a little rubber stamping remaining.

Firstly, for the groundhopping fraternity, Horsham’s newish stadium was opened in 2019 and is a presentable, 3,000 capacity ground, tree-lined that adds to its charm. On entry to the Hop Oast, the first point that should be made, is the friendliness of the place, if everywhere could follow the template of Horsham Football Club, football would be in a much nicer place.

The main stand holds around 300 people, the only seating in the stadium so only just fulfilling the National League criteria. Opposite the main stand are two covered enclosures, either side of the dug-outs and behind the far goal is another area of covered terracing. At the entrance to the ground are the well-appointed bar facilities raised above flat standing behind the goal. The 3G pitch, which we were told would be replaced in the summer, certainly looked to have seen better days.

As the season enters its frantic last six weeks, with Saturday/Tuesday the norm from now on, Alan Dunne chose to rotate quite heavily with five changes following the midweek defeat at Dover.

The first half can be filed under the 45 minutes that the 1,468 present are not going to get back category, shaded by the home side, was awful. Best chance of the half was blazed over the bar by Horsham’s Shiloh Remy, whilst efforts from Alfie Pavey and Ricky Korboa for the Angels disappeared into the bright blue Sussex sky.

Thankfully for the paying public, the game did improve somewhat in the second period with Tonbridge taking control of the game, despite the opening chance falling to former Angel, Shamir Fenelon, who broke clear but took too long to get his shot away allowing Sutcliffe to make a saving tackle.

After 64 minutes, there was a heavy collision between another former Angel, Jack Brivio and Pavey that saw the former laying motionless for somewhile and, during the 12 minute stoppage, the Horsham manager, Dom Di Paolo saw a red card for saying something out of turn directed at referee Dan England.

As the game entered its extensive stoppage time, Matt Warren saw his shot from distance agonisingly deflected past the post but, from the resulting corner from Bailey Akehurst into a crowded penalty area, Sutcliffe stabbed the ball home and with perhaps the help of a deflection, leaving Lewis Carey wrong-footed and the Angels were in front.

In the fourth minute of the twelve added, Matt Rowley was called on to make his big save of the afternoon from a header following a corner, leaving the visiting supporters to celebrate with the We Are Staying Up chant as Tonbridge saw out time with relative comfort.

Looking at the National League table, the grotty trip to Braintree beckons alongside the visit to the end of the earth that is Truro, can’t wait. Thanks Dunney!

Action pictures: Dave Couldridge

Dover Athletic 2 Tonbridge Angels 0

Match 63/25/2405 - Tuesday, 10th March 2026 - National League South

Dover Athletic (1) 2 Wilkinson 22,54
Tonbridge Angels (0) 0
Attendance: 731
Admission: £17
Mileage: 94/3,840

When the fixtures drop in July, there are dates that are immediately pencilled it, Boxing Day, the Maidstone games and perhaps there is a new ground to visit. On the flip side, there are the visits that are done out of nothing more than loyalty while secretly hoping that a valid excuse surfaces to give it a miss.

Such is Dover Athletic, charmless and unfriendly, whose modus operandi seems to be to make visiting supporters as unwelcome as possible.

Where was the communication that this would be a segregated game. I’ve no issue with the decision to segregate given the recent history of both club's set of youths, but to only find out on arrival at the ground is poor, very poor.

For those of you who have never been to Crabble (lucky you), the stadium is set atop a hill, not just any old hill, it’s a mountain that with a bit of snow could host the downhill at the Winter Olympics. After a torturous climb to reach the turnstiles, with no help from club officials informing you in which direction to walk, I decided to put a step counter on the return descent which recorded a near half-mile hike down a treacherous, unlit pathway.

On the playing field, I have nothing but respect for Dover’s manager Jake Leberl. He took over a basket case of a club with a notoriously difficult chairman in a pretty toxic atmosphere and has led them to promotion and relative safety in National League South on what I can only imagine is a small budget in comparison to the division’s big hitters that certainly doesn’t include Tonbridge Angels.

One area in which Dover have always excelled is with their academy and it was fitting that a scholar of their programme, George Wikinson, was the architect of their 2-0 win.

Tonbridge went into the game on a high following Saturday’s win against Worthing, but on the night have to reflect on an evening of possession aplenty but with no cutting edge and ending up on the receiving end of two very good goals, the first a beautifully crafted team goal and the second a wonder strike from 25 yards.

On a heavy pitch, manager Alan Dunne opted for an amount of rotation with four changes to the starting XI with Bradley Williams, Matty Warren, Naz Bakrin and Alfie Pavey included.

A game unfolded that was high on endeavour, low on quality but, uncharacteristically defined by two moments of excellence. After 20 minutes of nothingness, a series of one-two’s within the Angels box opened up the space for Wikinson to roll the ball past Matt Rowley into the far corner.

Frankie Baker’s persistence and pace offered the Angels a route back into the game but this foundered throughout on the defensive solidity of two brick outhouses in Jalen Jones and Harry Beadle.

Bunmi Babajide, as always, was full of energy and it was his effort just before the break that was deflected into the welcoming hands of Mitch Walker that brought the first involvement of the Dover stopper.

Dunney’s Plan B was left with a Crabble-sized mountain to scale after 54 minutes when a headed clearance was met on the half-volley from Wilkinson which found the top corner like a tracer bullet. It was some hit and one I guess he won’t replicate ever again.

The goal brought a trio of the Dover oiks to goad the Angels support, undoubtedly the segregation plan was well founded, if ill-timed.

A full complement of substitutions, the vast majority of possession and plenty of “penalty area entry” failed to unduly stretch Walker although a cross-cum-shot from Bailey Akehurst drifted only narrowly wide and Akehurst was also responsible for a shot that cannoned off the goalkeeper’s chest.

Roll on July, fixtures being scanned in excited expectation, but this one won’t set the pulses racing.

Sent from my iPhone

Tonbridge Angels 1 Worthing 0

Match 62/25/2404 - Saturday, 7th March 2026 - National League South

Tonbridge Angels (0) 1 Korboa 90+2
Worthing (0) 0
Attendance: 1,137
Admission: Season Ticket
Mileage: 38/3,746

Another remarkable result in season of remarkable results that only leaves me scratching my head as to why Tonbridge Angels have spent any time looking over our shoulders.

Worthing arrived at the Yeomans with continued praise ringing in their ears following their 4-0 demolition of the Angels in the FA Trophy in November but departed having been made to look bang average.

It is a shame that those of us with non-league in our hearts are subjected to reading almost every week of another club issuing an apology for supporter behaviour and because of previous discretions from youths that have attached themselves to Worthing, this match was segregated. In all my time, there has never been a problem with Worthing, so it must be difficult for genuine supporters of the Sussex club to stomach the reputation they now carry.

Manager Alan Dunne made three changes to the starting XI at Hemel Hempstead with Scott Wagstaff, Marcus Sablier and Bunmi Babajide returning.

Another change was needed as Kyle Smith went down with a recurrence of an injury within the first five minutes and needed substituting by Nazir Bakrin.

Worthing had none of the fluency of November, or even in defeat at Woodside Road in September under the guidance of Craig Nelson. In the first half they were restricted to one chance, two minutes before the break, when a shot from Joel Colbran was parried by Matt Rowley to the head of Shiloh Remy but his tame header was easily collected by the Tonbridge goalkeeper.

Tonbridge had started the game brightly with Smith seeing his free kick saved by Taylor Seymour; Frankie Baker firing over and Sablier also having a shot comfortably saved by Seymour.

Early in the second period, came the Angels most heart stopping moment of the game when a free kick saw a missed overhead attempt from Coleman De Graft confusing the Angels defence with the ball falling at the feet of Remiero Moulton at the far post but the alert Rowley was quickly plunging at his feet to smother the shot before it was hacked to safety.

On 58 minutes, substitute Callum Morton should have done better than steer a header wide, but from that moment Tonbridge contained the visitors with ease and, on the break, were offering dangerous moments of their own.

As the clock ticked into added time, Tonbridge supporters were probably happy with a hard earned point when Bradley Williams, who had made a huge impact on the game from the bench on 56 minutes, fed the ball to the left to Ricky Korboa, who cut in, found enough space to pick his spot into the final corner to send Angels supporters into raptures.

Eight agonising minutes, that turned into 11, had supporters baying for the final whistle, but as it had been for the most part of the afternoon, the visitors final push was tepid at best and seen off comfortably.

Twelve points clear, 13 in reality with a vastly superior goal difference, surely safety is as good as assured. Football Web Pages think so, but at one point this afternoon they had Larkfield winning their SCEFL match 22-3 when they actually lost 4-2! So let’s get to 50 points before cracking out the bubbly!

Pictures: David Couldridge and Wes Fitness

Tonbridge Angels 4 Gillingham 3

Match 61/25/2403 - Tuesday, 3rd March 2026 - Kent Senior Cup Quarter Final

Tonbridge Angels (1) 4 Babajide 37 Baker 53,66 Bakrin 84
Gillingham (1) 3 Dayal 43 Theodore 53 Booth 82
Attendance: 407
Admission: £10
Mileage: 38/3,708

Tonbridge emerged for the second time in three years victorious in the Wink Derby with a 4-3 win in an exhilarating Kent Senior Cup Quarter Final.

Whilst we at Tonbridge refer back to 1975 for our last Kent Senior Cup success, remarkably, Gills supporters have to have very long memories as their wait goes back to 1948!

Gillingham did what they always do by fielding a youth side and refusing to play any Kent Senior Cup game at Priestfield whatever the draw as terms of their entry.

What they did bring to the Yeomans was a talented group of youngsters that thrilled going forward but lacked a bit of resilience defensively.

Card marked before the game by old friends who have survived the toxicity of the final years of the Scally era (unlike myself) to watch out for Sullivan Booth, who was very good, but eyes were drawn to the sparkling wing play of Damian Theodore, who embellished his performance with a superb strike.

Scott Wagstaff, it was revealed on the day, has been appointed Youth team Manager at the Gills and he would be more than welcome to send these two lads our way on loan next season.

Spring has meteorologically sprung but it remained a chilly evening as Alan Dunne almost completely rotated his squad following Saturday’s defeat at Hemel Hempstead.

Gills started brightly, and dominated the opening half-hour, with Theodore immediately to the fore, perhaps a touch too many at times but never anything less than a real threat.

Tonbridge’s first attempt on goal came after 31 minutes when Sean Shields brought a save out of substitute goalkeeper, Benji Spencer before they went ahead on 37 minutes when Bunmi Babajide received the ball on the left to bury a shot into the far, bottom corner.

The Gillingham youngsters were not to be cowed by going behind with a cross-cum-shot from Kelly Adams that only narrowly drifted wide of the right hand post. The equaliser that their first half performance richly deserved came two minutes before the break when Theodore crossed to the for Louie Dayal to steer the ball home from 12 yards.

Perhaps the telling factor of the second half would be that from the bench, each substitution made the Angels stronger and this brought an immediate dividend as substitutes Ricky Korboa and Frankie Baker combined for the latter to convert Babajide's right-sided pass inside.

Theodore decorated his performance after 53 minutes when he cut in from the left to bury an exquisite strike into the top corner to bring the scores level once more and for a period of 10 minutes, the Gills were once more on top.

But, after 66 minutes, a shot from 20 yards from Matt Warren wasn’t held by Spencer and the ever-alert Baker was on hand to force home the rebound.

Any thought that that was that for evening’s highly engaging entertainment were dispelled eight minutes from time when Booth collected a through ball and sped through a gaping hole in the centre of the defence to finish clinically past the advancing Laurie Shala.

With penalties on the horizon, as was the case two years ago, the Angels found a winner on 84 minutes when a free kick swung into the box saw Ethan Sutcliffe head the ball back into the centre of the goal to the feet of Nazir Bakrin who poked it home from six yards.

The Angels move forward to the semi-final where they will visit Chatham Town. It is not the FA Cup, but one feels that, good though the Chats were back in October at Longmead, Tonbridge didn’t do themselves justice on the day and it will be something of a compensation to put one over them before looking forward to a Kent Senior Cup Final where the old enemy, Maidstone United lie in wait.

Photo: Dave Couldridge

Hemel Hempstead Town 1 Tonbridge Angels 0

Match 60/25/2402 - Saturday, 28th February 2026 - National League South

Hemel Hempstead Town (0) 1 Dowrich 90+5
Tonbridge Angels (0) 0
Attendance: 651
Admission: £12
Mileage: 160/3,670

Once is unfortunate, twice is careless, three times is a pattern and one that is driving Tonbridge Angels supporters to despair.

Three times in the last five games, the winner has been conceded in time added at the end of a match, goals in the 94th, 93rd and 96th minutes have cost the Angels vital points that would almost certainly have guaranteed safety.

That the latest, is the word heartbreak or annoyance, came without surprise at Hemel Hempstead Town, who after laying to rest the hoodoo’s that were Worthing, Torquay, Salisbury and the Gallagher, now take the title of the Angels ultimate graveyard.

In truth, it was a nothing game from which neither team deserved the full complement of points.

Larry McAvoy taking the post-match interview: “It’s not the first time this season, over the past month we have been burning points in terms of these late goals. It is not fitness, not desire, but we are young in terms of mentality and making mistakes.”

The omens were good, a trouble-free drive through the tunnel and round the M25 to the most out-of-form team in the league, but it’s Hemel, where something always happens and it’s never good.

On a dry afternoon that was deceptively cold, Manager Alan Dunne made two changes from Tuesday’s home win against Hampton with Naz Bakrin and Sean Shields starting for Matt Warren and Bunmi Babajide.

In charge, for her first National League South game, was Grace Lowe and she made her mark on the game with a yellow card for Tonbridge’s Tom Leahy for a high foot within the first minute.

Chances were at a premium throughout the game and the Angels goalkeeper, Matt Rowley, was called upon to deny the first half’s best effort on eight minutes when an outstretched leg denied Isiah Noel-Williams.

A minute later Ms Lowe had her second Angels name in the book that of Noah McCann.

In a tight first half, Tonbridge just about edged the possession without overly stretching the home goalkeeper, Michael Johnson.

The second half produced much of the same although, now kicking down the slope, it was the home side that now enjoyed the better of the possession with a mounting corner count and on 73 minutes a shot from Kyran Wiltshire rebounded off a post.

And so the game entered its added time of four minutes and when Ms Lowe booked Rowley for time wasting the game edged into its 95th minute with a cheap free kick given on the left. The ball was lofted into a crowded penalty area, blocks and half-clearances ensued before the ball dropped to Dorian Dowrich whose sweetly hit volley gave Rowley no chance.

McAvoy concluded: “We are trying to get the players to be better at game management. It does come with experience but we’ve got to learn and learn quickly and deal with those moments in the game, be more streetwise.”