Staplehurst Monarchs 1 Bridon Ropes 0

Match 19/23/2142 - Saturday, 19th August 2023 - SCEFL Division 1

Staplehurst Monarchs (1) 0 Oldfield 27
Bridon Ropes (0) 0
Attendance: 113

Admission: £4 Senior
Programme: £1
Mileage: 1/716
Weather: 22degC., hot

Win with style or win ugly, whichever way counts for three points.

Staplehurst didn’t win ugly as such but it needed a far more resilient performance than on Wednesday night against one the division’s more lauded clubs to dispose of an equally hardworking Bridon Ropes.

A hot afternoon that would have tested the early season fitness of both sides probably accounted for the rather flat opening that saw the best of the chances fall to Ropes’ Josh Teenick but it was the home side that took the lead on 27 minutes when a cross was headed down by Mackenzie Gardner for Stanley Oldfield to tuck the ball home from 10 yards.

The Monarchs were denied doubling their advantage before the break when Gardner’s header came back from the crossbar.

Both defences continued to rule the roost into the second period with chances very much at a premium. An early strike from Bridon’s Sean Nicholls cleared the bar whilst mid-way through the half, the ever willing Oldfield robbed a defender but his rolled shot drifted just wide of the far post.

Three minutes later, on 77, the visitors missed their best chance when a shot cleared the bar after a headed knock back from Louis Dockering.

Staplehurst will be well pleased with their opening two games at the Jubilee sitting alongside AFC Whyteleafe with a 100% record before starting their FA Vase journey at AFC Uckfield next Saturday.

Staplehurst Monarchs 3 Faversham Strike Force 0

Match 18/23/2141 - Wednesday, 17th August 2023 - SCEFL Division 1

Staplehurst Monarchs (2) 3 Gorse 31 OG 41 Hooper (pen) 57
Faversham Strike Force (0) 0
Attendance: 102

Admission: £4 Senior
Programme: None
Mileage: 1/715
Weather: 20degC., dry

Staplehurst Monarchs got their season underway with an emphatic home win against Faversham Strike Force.

The Monarchs have had to patiently wait for their opening game as other SCEFL clubs have had a FA Cup Preliminary Round tie and a opening league game.

But all good things come to those who wait and the home side produced an eye-catching and thoroughly encouraging performance of which they were almost always in complete control.

The management at the Jubilee have found a very effective blend of experienced heads through the spine of the team with some exciting youngsters that offer pace and enthusiasm that, on the night, Faversham were unable to compete with.

Staplehurst made all of the running in the opening period with Faversham’s goalkeeper Harry Earls saving from a Adam Hooper header and Ted Rosetti firing over before, after 31 minutes, fine work from Stanley Oldfield set up Harley Gorse to finish into the bottom corner.

Continuing to dominate the game, the home side doubled their advantage four minutes from the break when a corner from the right, somehow dribbled its way into the net, courtesy of a Faversham defender.

Gorse headed over following a James Delaney free kick as the hosts entered the break in total command.

Whatever was said in the Strike Force dressing room had little effect as Staplehurst continued to control the game with Brad Large heading over.

Frustration boiled over for Faversham’s captain Ali Wren who was sent to the sin bin after conceding a penalty from which Hooper converted. Wren returned after the statutory 10 minutes only to commit a foul within a minute of returning to be shown a red card.

On the night, Staplehurst might be disappointed that they were unable to add some gloss to the result against 10 men with Sam Swift being denied by Earls and Dan Ashton going close, but this was a result, and a performance, of which they can take massive encouragement.

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.

Tonbridge Angels U18 0 Three Bridges U18 1

Match 16/23/2139 - Monday, 15th August 2023 - Pre-season Friendly

Tonbridge Angels U18 (0) 0
Three Bridges U18 (0) 1 73
Headcount: 45

Admission: Free
Programme: None
Mileage: 38/676
Weather: 20degC., dry

Tonbridge Angels U18’s ended their pre-season with a single goal defeat against a very good Three Bridges side, who finished last season just a point behind champions Worthing in the southern section of the Isthmian Youth League.

One defensive error and a catalogue of shots on goal that were either close or saved by an excellent goalkeeper was the barely discernible difference between the sides.

18’s manager Dom Welsh has added some pace to his side this season and that led to a series of fouls in dangerous positions from the Three Bridges defenders. The referee took the friendly game, common sense approach, keeping his cards in his pocket.

The Angels had five of these situations in the opening 20 minutes with the goalkeeper being equal to efforts from Felix Waring, Reuben Etherington and Teddy Cooney.

After 20 minutes of Angels domination the visitors came into the game forcing Toby Edwards into a smart stop and a fine saving tackle from Adam Larkin.

The rest of the first half was even with the Three Bridges keeper saving well from Cam Honavar and Edwards producing a point blank save with his feet from close range.

The second period was a tighter affair but Tonbridge rattled the bar twice in as many minutes, firstly with a Etherington free kick followed by a Rory Kavanagh header from a corner that clipped the top of the woodwork.

Three Bridges winner came immediately after, on 73 minutes, when the ball was cleared downfield a poor clearance allowed a pass to dissect the defenders for the scorer to run clear and place his shot into the bottom corner.

There was more than enough for Dom Welsh to take heart from before next Thursday’s league opener at champions Cray Valley. Dom said after the game: “Yeah, they’re always very good. Manager is very clued up. Like playing them, they give us things to think about. I thought we did well, poor finishing and some decent saves but one mistake has settled it. Pre-season has been really good, I’m pleased. A lot better than last season.”

Tonbridge Angels 0 Weston-super-Mare 1

Match 15/23/2138 - Saturday, 12th August 2023 - National League South

Tonbridge Angels (0) 0
Weston-super-Mare (1) 1 Bastin 26
Attendance: 827

Admission: Season Ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 38/638
Weather: 22degC., brisk breeze

It’s not been the start that we, as in Tonbridge Angels, might have wished but, cliche alert, it’s a marathon not a sprint.

Both defeats, by the slenderest of margins, could easily have ended differently; both matches have been blighted by pretty abject refereeing with the officials seemingly as confused as the punter on the terrace with the new directives.

Certain things cannot be brushed aside, the Angels are light up front but Stefan Payne’s introduction on the hour offered a glimpse of something a little more potent.

The visitors, Weston-super-Mare, newly promoted from Southern League Premier Division South, were well organised and returned to Somerset with a two out of two record following their opening day home win against Havant & Waterlooville.

As much as the lack of a cutting edge can pointed towards as the reason for defeat, it was a bit disconcerting that one 60 yard diagonal pass allowed Jordan Bastin an unchallenged run on goal to fire past Jonny Henly with an accomplished finish after 26 minutes.

Ruben Soares-Junior flashed a shot towards the far post that was met with a clearing header from the line as the home side mounted a response.

Into the second period and the introduction of Payne almost, perhaps should have, brought a dividend when the striker was sent clear down the left in acres of space. His first effort rebounded from the far post but when the ball landed back at his feet, it seemed little more than a tap-in but his shot was miraculously blocked by Samuel Avery.

Three minutes remained when Tom Parkinson’s header was bundled home at the far post but the goal was disallowed for an infringement against the central defender who picked up a caution after a word of disagreement.

Credit must go to Weston as they defended an endless series of corners through the time added. They are going to be nobody’s pushovers this season.

This was a flat performance for much of the game that transmitted itself to the crowd who were unusually quiet for long periods. A Kent derby with Dover arriving at Longmead is next up and those supporters are desperately in need of a performance to raise their spirits.

Pictures: Kathryn Bell

Gillingham 3 Southampton 1

Match 14/23/2137 - Tuesday, 8th August 2023 - Carabao Cup First Round

Gillingham (1) 3 Nadesan 12 McKenzie 51,66
Southampton (0) 1 Alcaraz 90
Attendance: 7,775

Admission: £14 Senior
Programme: £3
Mileage: 48/600
Weather: 17degC., Light rain late in game

It wasn’t only the new LED boards that lit up Priestfield as Gillingham turned in a sparkling performance on the pitch to dump last season’s League Cup semi-finalists, Southampton, out of the competition in the opening round.

Southampton, who showed the customary disrespect to the competition, making 11 changes from the side that won their opening Championship game at Sheffield Wednesday, supposedly enjoyed 78% of possession, but in truth, were second best for all bar the last 10 minutes.

Priestfield is no longer the dreadful experience that I walked away from in 2018. Gone is the toxic atmosphere, open are food outlets and the LED’s might appear a cosmetic exercise but I’m sure they will be a commercial asset in quick time.

From the outset, Neil Harris’ side’s press allowed their illustrious guest no time on the ball and it was no surprise when, after 12 minutes, Dom Jeffries broke clear down the left before delivering an inch perfect low cross to the far post for Ashley Nadesan to convert.

Whilst Southampton struck the bar, Gills should have gone into the break with a greater advantage as Shad Ogie steered a header wide and they also saw a goal disallowed in time added.

If Saints manager Russell Martin expected a response from his side he didn’t get it and on 51 minutes Gillingham doubled their advantage as the visitors failed for the umpteenth time to deal with a corner ending with Robbie McKenzie touching home.

Another corner on 66 minutes hopelessly dealt with only cleared to the edge of the box where McKenzie drove low through the crowded penalty area past a helpless Alex McCarthy.

Southampton rallied late on to score a consolation through Carlos Alcaraz, fresh from his Wimbledon triumph.

Gillingham is a happy place once more, too late for me, now heavily invested at Tonbridge, but I’m so pleased for my many friends at the club that have stuck by them after a torrid four or five years.

Worthing 1 Tonbridge Angels 0

Match 13/23/2136 - Saturday, 5th August 2023 - National League South

Worthing (0) 1 Wheeler 90+6
Tonbridge Angels (0) 0
Attendance: 1,120

Admission: £12 Senior
Programme: £3
Mileage: 144/552
Weather: 18degC., Torrential rain

New season, same old visit to Worthing. Poor referee, a sending-off and a late, late goal. And to add to the misery, it pissed down. Taking the positive, we won’t need to go back for another 12 months.

As sure as the clouds would re-open as the sizeable Angels contingent left Woodside Road following the final whistle, it would be a former Angel that would settle this game right at the death.

Worthing has never been a place where the Angels have enjoyed their share of good fortune and, sadly, the opening of season 2023/24 proved no different.

For his first competitive selection of the season, Jay Saunders was without Jernade Meade and Joe Boachie to injury, whilst Stefan Payne and Joe Turner took places on the bench following their own injury concerns. Tommie Fagg continued his role as the front man with Ben Swift returning to the centre of defence.

The game had begun in rain of monsoon proportions that continued through the vast majority of the first half in which chances were at a premium and far less prevalent than the flourishing of the yellow card by referee George Warren.

Tonbridge Angels’ Kodi Lyons-Foster was the first to incur the wrath of the referee with a caution after just seven minutes and this would become significant later in the game. After 34 minutes, in which neither goalkeeper had been seriously tested, Ollie Pearce twice shot narrowly over for Worthing and five minutes before the break, Lewis Gard steered a header wide.

The rain eased during the second period and, after 52 minutes, the best chance of the match so far, fell to Worthing’s Reece Meekums who brought a good save from Jonny Henly. The Angels keeper followed up two minutes later pushing away an edge of the box free kick from Pearce.

A minute later and Angels supporters were incensed and mystified as a long ball forward saw Fagg in a foot race with Worthing defender Aarron Racine. The Worthing defender, losing the race, scythed down the Tonbridge front man, only for the referee to wave away any appeals. It was a last man situation and had the referee viewed it differently, it would have been a red card for the Worthing defender.

The Angels started to make chances of their own with home custodian Roco Rees saving from Ruben Soares-Junior and Gard and were well in the game until the 81st minute when Lyons-Foster was shown a second yellow leaving the Angels to see out the game a man short.

However, the game appeared to be meandering towards a goalless draw as it entered seven minutes of added time, but, after a series of corners, and with less than a minute remaining, the ball fell to former Angels favourite Nicky Wheeler, who from 20 yards fired a shot into the bottom corner to seal the points for the hosts.

Jay Saunders commented: “It’s always a kick in the teeth to lose in injury time. For large parts we were solid but key moments change games. At that point it looked like it had nil-nil written all over it. When you go down to ten men it’s difficult but I didn’t feel threatened.”