Match 46/16/1354 - Sunday, 30th October 2016 - Kent Youth League
Tunbridge Wells (0) 1 O'Neil 64
Tonbridge Angels (2) 3 McCreadie 26,28,83
Headcount: 30
Entrance: Free
Programme: None
Mileage: 38/3,669
Tonbridge eased to victory in their Kent Youth Premier League local derby against Tunbridge Wells at a foggy Culverden Stadium despite a spirited second half performance from their hosts.
Jay Stubberfield fielded four of his Ryman League players whilst Tunbridge Wells included Reece Bartlett, who has first team experience and Sammy McLeod, who played for Maidstone in the recent FA Youth Cup game.
The manager, speaking after the game, felt his side had dominated the game and controlled possession. He added: “Our diamond midfield with Jack Bray on the left and Liam Smith on the right gave us the perfect balance. I was very happy with the display but we should have scored more. Good to see Liam McCreadie scoring a hat-trick. This gives me a lot to think about for the next few Ryman squads.”
Tonbridge started on the front foot and within the first seven minutes the Tunbridge Wells goalkeeper, who was actually an outfield player because they had no available keeper, made saves from Tydest Augustus, Bray and Alex Bishop but were shocked when the home side rattled the bar after nine minutes.
On 23 minutes, James Nurden needed to be substituted by McCreadie and within three minutes his name was on the score sheet, his shot from outside the box going underneath the makeshift goalkeeper.
Four minutes later the advantage was doubled when a cross from the left was met by McCreadie, whose shot carried too much power for the keeper, who got his hands to the ball but could not prevent it from going in.
Realising the goalkeeper’s limitations, Tonbridge piled on the pressure but it was their own keeper, Sam Wolvey who needed to make a good save to preserve the score line.
Tunbridge Wells gave as good as they got for a period early in the second half and after 64 minutes pulled a goal back when Dan O'Neil's shot from 20 yards found its way under the diving body of Wolvey.
Tonbridge turned up the heat on their hosts following the goal. Smith crashed a shot against the underside of the bar, Will Jupp headed over from a corner and McCreadie shot wide.
Wolvey atoned for his error with a good save before McCreadie completed his hat-trick with a low shot past the outstretched feet of the goalkeeper.
Sunday, 30 October 2016
Tonbridge 3 Ashford Town (Middlesex) 3
Match 45/16/1353 - Saturday, 29th October 2016 - FA Trophy 1QR
Tonbridge (0) 3 Wheeler 58,67 Elder 82
Ashford Town (Middlesex) (2) 2 Fleming 15 Bitmead 27, 53 (pen)
Attendance: 381
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2.50
Mileage: 38/3,631
Crazy game. Time to recycle the famous phrase: "it's a funny old game, Saint".
This FA Trophy First Qualifying Round match was both bizarre and thrilling in equal measure. It all started with a delayed kick-off of 25 minutes because the visitors were held up on the M25. Normally, you would expect, that getting straight out of their cars/coach with little time to stretch the legs would lead to a slow start, but this was nothing like that. Mind you, if you hand two chances on a silver salver then you get what you deserve.
After four minutes a Tom Phipp free kick found Nathan Elder's head but the striker steered it wide and this was the pretext to the big man's afternoon.
Ashford Town (Middlesex) sounded a warning when Anthony Di Bernardo needed to be alert to smother the ball at the feet of Mark Bitmead.
After 15 minutes the visitors went ahead following a dreadful mix-up between Di Bernardo and Jerrome Sobers. A hopeful punt through the middle was chased by Dan Fleming, as the goalkeeper and central defender left it for each other, a panicky kick from Di Bernardo struck Fleming who was able to tuck the rebound into an open goal.
Worse was to follow after 26 minutes when a back pass from Sobers to his goalkeeper, whose clearance only made 10 yards to the feet of Fleming, who crossed for Bitmead to head into a, once more, open goal.
Tonbridge continued to create chances with the ball seemingly a magnet to Elder's head and the goal having the polar effect. After 34 minutes a cross from Luke Blewden saw Elder's header hit the bar.
Tonbridge needed a goal early second half to revive their Trophy hopes but these seemed all but dashed when a rash challenge from Ugo Udoji offered Ashford their chance to seemingly put the game to bed. Bitmead duly converted and only those that believed in the miracle of Wingate and Finchley were left with any optimism.
Those optimists were quickly inspired as a long throw from Blewden evaded all before falling at the feet of Nicky Wheeler, who rifled the ball into the bottom corner.
Nine minutes later and it was game on. Another long throw from Blewden was headed on in the box to Sonny Miles whose shot was blocked but the rebound fell again to Wheeler who scored in a similar fashion to his first.
It was now one-way traffic, the ball continuing to find the head of Elder, who continued to be thwarted by all means possible until eight minutes from time when a Wheeler free kick found the striker's head and this time the ball nestled in the bottom corner.
There was still time for the Wingate miracle to be repeated but it wasn't to be and from 3-0 anything other than a replay at Shorts Lane would be plain greedy.
Pictures courtesy of Ian Clear
Tonbridge (0) 3 Wheeler 58,67 Elder 82
Ashford Town (Middlesex) (2) 2 Fleming 15 Bitmead 27, 53 (pen)
Attendance: 381
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2.50
Mileage: 38/3,631
This FA Trophy First Qualifying Round match was both bizarre and thrilling in equal measure. It all started with a delayed kick-off of 25 minutes because the visitors were held up on the M25. Normally, you would expect, that getting straight out of their cars/coach with little time to stretch the legs would lead to a slow start, but this was nothing like that. Mind you, if you hand two chances on a silver salver then you get what you deserve.
After four minutes a Tom Phipp free kick found Nathan Elder's head but the striker steered it wide and this was the pretext to the big man's afternoon.
Ashford Town (Middlesex) sounded a warning when Anthony Di Bernardo needed to be alert to smother the ball at the feet of Mark Bitmead.
After 15 minutes the visitors went ahead following a dreadful mix-up between Di Bernardo and Jerrome Sobers. A hopeful punt through the middle was chased by Dan Fleming, as the goalkeeper and central defender left it for each other, a panicky kick from Di Bernardo struck Fleming who was able to tuck the rebound into an open goal.
Worse was to follow after 26 minutes when a back pass from Sobers to his goalkeeper, whose clearance only made 10 yards to the feet of Fleming, who crossed for Bitmead to head into a, once more, open goal.
Tonbridge continued to create chances with the ball seemingly a magnet to Elder's head and the goal having the polar effect. After 34 minutes a cross from Luke Blewden saw Elder's header hit the bar.
Tonbridge needed a goal early second half to revive their Trophy hopes but these seemed all but dashed when a rash challenge from Ugo Udoji offered Ashford their chance to seemingly put the game to bed. Bitmead duly converted and only those that believed in the miracle of Wingate and Finchley were left with any optimism.
Those optimists were quickly inspired as a long throw from Blewden evaded all before falling at the feet of Nicky Wheeler, who rifled the ball into the bottom corner.
Nine minutes later and it was game on. Another long throw from Blewden was headed on in the box to Sonny Miles whose shot was blocked but the rebound fell again to Wheeler who scored in a similar fashion to his first.
It was now one-way traffic, the ball continuing to find the head of Elder, who continued to be thwarted by all means possible until eight minutes from time when a Wheeler free kick found the striker's head and this time the ball nestled in the bottom corner.
There was still time for the Wingate miracle to be repeated but it wasn't to be and from 3-0 anything other than a replay at Shorts Lane would be plain greedy.
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
Tonbridge 2 Sittingbourne 0
Match 44/16/1352 - Tuesday, 25th October 2016 - Ryman League Cup
Tonbridge (0) 2 Phipp 50 Allen (pen) 90+2
Sittingbourne (0) 0
Attendance: 260
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £1.50
Mileage: 38/3,593
The highlight of the evening came long after the final whistle. Whilst waiting to give the Press Officer a lift home, the players filed past to enjoy their post-match food. A young lad wandered round slowly to be greeted by his Mum with a hug and a kiss that probably embarrassed him a little. It was a touching moment, one that Liam Smith's Mum deserved as much as her son, who had just completed an impressive 45 minutes as a second half substitute on his first team debut.
Given a different set of circumstances, an indifferent run of form and a heavy defeat on Saturday, I'm sure Steve McKimm would have liked to have given playing time, possibly even starts, to the other youngsters, Tommy Chapman and Callum Adonis-Smith that were named and remained on the bench. But a resolute Sittingbourne refused to give up their place in the Ryman League Cup without a fight until the dying minutes of the game.
In among those players walking/hobbling into the bar was a very glum looking Nathan Elder, whose night it just hadn't been. The big striker got into all the right areas time and again but when it came to the final finish, it just wasn't going to happen for him. Early chances from crosses by Luke Blewden and Tom Phipp were a foretaste of what was to come.
Sittingbourne's Steven Ita was proving a handful, although an early shot that was comfortably saved and one on the half-hour mark was about as much as the visitors could muster.
After 25 minutes, Damian Scannell needed to be replaced by Luke Allen.
Tommy Whitnell's header was narrowly wide after 40 minutes and just on the half-time whistle, Elder directed another wide.
James Folkes' injured groin gave the Smith the opportunity from the start of the second half. The 16-year-old made an early error, but quickly recovered his composure and from that point was not only defensively competent but raided down the right hand side at the every opportunity.
Luke Blewden was presenting cross-after-cross not just to the head of Elder. Jerrome Sobers directing another chance wide of the post.
The opening goal finally came after 50 minutes. I long throw from Blewden was only partially cleared to Whitnell, whose shot was deflected into the path of Phipp, whose close range effort was brilliant saved by Simon Overland but the return fell back at Phipp's feet who blasted a shot from six yards past the despairing goalkeeper.
Tonbridge were now well on top, but it was a night when chances went begging with careless abandon.
Phipp's hamstring strain led to the introduction of Nicky Wheeler.
Smith's raiding very nearly led to a champagne moment with five minutes remaining when his shot from the edge of the box was well saved by Overland but in time added he had a creditable assist when he was brought down in the box allowing Allen to secure the tie from the penalty spot.
In the coming weeks, the Kent Senior Cup gets underway and now there is another round of this competition to look foward to. Hopefully, the senior side's form will allow McKimm the opportunity to have a look at a couple more of the youth team lads.
Pictures courtesy of Dave Couldridge
Tonbridge (0) 2 Phipp 50 Allen (pen) 90+2
Sittingbourne (0) 0
Attendance: 260
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £1.50
Mileage: 38/3,593
Given a different set of circumstances, an indifferent run of form and a heavy defeat on Saturday, I'm sure Steve McKimm would have liked to have given playing time, possibly even starts, to the other youngsters, Tommy Chapman and Callum Adonis-Smith that were named and remained on the bench. But a resolute Sittingbourne refused to give up their place in the Ryman League Cup without a fight until the dying minutes of the game.
In among those players walking/hobbling into the bar was a very glum looking Nathan Elder, whose night it just hadn't been. The big striker got into all the right areas time and again but when it came to the final finish, it just wasn't going to happen for him. Early chances from crosses by Luke Blewden and Tom Phipp were a foretaste of what was to come.
Sittingbourne's Steven Ita was proving a handful, although an early shot that was comfortably saved and one on the half-hour mark was about as much as the visitors could muster.
After 25 minutes, Damian Scannell needed to be replaced by Luke Allen.
Tommy Whitnell's header was narrowly wide after 40 minutes and just on the half-time whistle, Elder directed another wide.
James Folkes' injured groin gave the Smith the opportunity from the start of the second half. The 16-year-old made an early error, but quickly recovered his composure and from that point was not only defensively competent but raided down the right hand side at the every opportunity.
Luke Blewden was presenting cross-after-cross not just to the head of Elder. Jerrome Sobers directing another chance wide of the post.
The opening goal finally came after 50 minutes. I long throw from Blewden was only partially cleared to Whitnell, whose shot was deflected into the path of Phipp, whose close range effort was brilliant saved by Simon Overland but the return fell back at Phipp's feet who blasted a shot from six yards past the despairing goalkeeper.
Tonbridge were now well on top, but it was a night when chances went begging with careless abandon.
Phipp's hamstring strain led to the introduction of Nicky Wheeler.
Smith's raiding very nearly led to a champagne moment with five minutes remaining when his shot from the edge of the box was well saved by Overland but in time added he had a creditable assist when he was brought down in the box allowing Allen to secure the tie from the penalty spot.
In the coming weeks, the Kent Senior Cup gets underway and now there is another round of this competition to look foward to. Hopefully, the senior side's form will allow McKimm the opportunity to have a look at a couple more of the youth team lads.
Tuesday, 25 October 2016
Ramsgate U18 0 Tonbridge Angels U18 0
Match 43/16/1351 - Monday, 24th October 2016 - Ryman Youth League
Ramsgate U18 (0) 0
Tonbridge Angels (0) 0
Headcount: 55
Entrance: £2
Programme: None
Mileage: 110/3,555
Tonbridge Under-18s came away from Ramsgate’s Southwood Road with a point from a disappointing encounter. Tonbridge were missing several regulars but manager Jay Stubberfield refused to use this as an excuse when he spoke after the game. He said the team that he put out there should have played better than they did. They took Ramsgate lightly and expected to stroll through the game. Ramsgate were more aggressive, won more first and second balls and out-competed us. We were the better team in possession but we didn’t create enough – we have to learn to do the ugly things better.
The start of the game was delayed by 15 minutes as at kick-off time, the home side only had nine players at the ground; they were, however, able to field a full complement with substitutes by 8 o’clock.
It was a frustrating evening for the visitors who were unable to impose themselves on the game.
Ramsgate started much the better and pulled a shot just wide after eight minutes and then, following a cross from the right, they hit a post as Tonbridge struggled to get going.
Tonbridge’s first chance of the night came after 20 minutes when Richard Frimpong latched onto a ball over the top, he chipped it over the advancing goalkeeper, but the ball was cleared from the line by a retreating defender. It was the beginning of a frustrating evening for Frimpong who was Tonbridge’s most likely source of a goal.
Just past the half-hour, the goalkeeper was once more rounded, this time by Kunle Bakare, but once again a defender got back, this time to put in a saving tackle.
Into the second half, Frimpong was once again sent clear but this time was stopped in his tracks by the Ramsgate centre half, Jacob Mensah, who alongside his partnering central defender were outstanding.
It would have been interesting to have seen Sid Solllis up against Mensah, it would have been a titantic tussle.
Lewis Mitchell made good saves to deny Ramsgate in the last 10 minutes and with three minutes remaining Frimpong was once more out of luck when the goalkeeper saved at his feet when sent through.
Tonbridge U18’s next game is at Longmead next Monday when Raynes Park Vale are the visitors.
Ramsgate U18 (0) 0
Tonbridge Angels (0) 0
Headcount: 55
Entrance: £2
Programme: None
Mileage: 110/3,555
Tonbridge Under-18s came away from Ramsgate’s Southwood Road with a point from a disappointing encounter. Tonbridge were missing several regulars but manager Jay Stubberfield refused to use this as an excuse when he spoke after the game. He said the team that he put out there should have played better than they did. They took Ramsgate lightly and expected to stroll through the game. Ramsgate were more aggressive, won more first and second balls and out-competed us. We were the better team in possession but we didn’t create enough – we have to learn to do the ugly things better.
The start of the game was delayed by 15 minutes as at kick-off time, the home side only had nine players at the ground; they were, however, able to field a full complement with substitutes by 8 o’clock.
It was a frustrating evening for the visitors who were unable to impose themselves on the game.
Ramsgate started much the better and pulled a shot just wide after eight minutes and then, following a cross from the right, they hit a post as Tonbridge struggled to get going.
Tonbridge’s first chance of the night came after 20 minutes when Richard Frimpong latched onto a ball over the top, he chipped it over the advancing goalkeeper, but the ball was cleared from the line by a retreating defender. It was the beginning of a frustrating evening for Frimpong who was Tonbridge’s most likely source of a goal.
Just past the half-hour, the goalkeeper was once more rounded, this time by Kunle Bakare, but once again a defender got back, this time to put in a saving tackle.
Into the second half, Frimpong was once again sent clear but this time was stopped in his tracks by the Ramsgate centre half, Jacob Mensah, who alongside his partnering central defender were outstanding.
It would have been interesting to have seen Sid Solllis up against Mensah, it would have been a titantic tussle.
Lewis Mitchell made good saves to deny Ramsgate in the last 10 minutes and with three minutes remaining Frimpong was once more out of luck when the goalkeeper saved at his feet when sent through.
Tonbridge U18’s next game is at Longmead next Monday when Raynes Park Vale are the visitors.
Sunday, 23 October 2016
Gillingham 1 Charlton Athletic 1
Match 42/16/1350 - Saturday, 22nd October 2016 - League One
Gillingham (1) 1 Dack 41
Charlton Athletic (0) 1 Ajose 90
Attendance: 8,670
Entrance: Season Ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 58/3,445
Match Report
Referee are either your 12th man or the 12th man against you, they are as important to the result as your star striker or your top drawer goalkeeper. I remain, for better or worse, of the opinion that no man in black (or any other colour they wear these days) steps out onto that pitch at kick-off time with any intention to influence the game towards one side or another. But then there are times when your conviction that all things are fair and equal become seriously tested. There was little indication that Mr Mark Haywood would become the villain of the piece in the first half of this game, but come the end, he was the man taking the abuse of the crowd.
As a Gillingham supporter, I'm not going to hide behind the referee. The reason Gillingham failed to acquire all three points and failed once more to collect a clean sheet was mainly of their own failings, but it might have been different with another referee.
Hayward had four penalty claims to adjudicate. There is no doubt that both of the penalties he awarded to Charlton were the correct decisions, but the claims that he denied for fouls on Cody McDonald were controversial to say the least and, from my seat, the second one was clearly wrong. If it had been given and if (if is a huge word) it had been converted, then Charlton's last minute spot kick would have been mere consolation.
After watching Cody McDonald perform the thankless task of lone striker against Walsall, Justin Edinburgh made the surprising, but welcome, change by adding both Frank Nouble and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas to his front line. With Bradley Dack at the front of the midfield diamond, nobody on this occasion, could complain about the potential firepower.
The opening quarter was dominated by the home side but without creating any clear cut chances. Pot shots from distance by Ryan Jackson and Chris Herd was about as good as it got. After 26 minutes Emmanuel-Thomas sent Dack clear but the Charlton goalkeeper, Declan Rudd, smothered his attempt to lift the ball over him.
On the half-hour mark, Jonathan Bond, suffering a groin problem, needed to be replaced between the sticks for Gillingham by Stuart Nelson.
Four minutes before the break Gillingham took the lead. Emmanuel-Thomas switched the ball to Paul Konchesky, and the left-back cut in and hit a right-footed cross, where Dack popped up with a top-class header to make it 1-0.
Nelson made a great save to deny Josh Magennis, clawing the striker's header away from the top corner.
The respite was not to last. From the resulting corner, the referee pointed to the spot after adjuding that Ryan Jackson had held his man as the ball was in the air. Nelson confirmed his hero status, pushing Ricky Holmes' spot kick to safety.
After the hour mark, and in the space of five minutes, came the two contentious Gillingham appeals. For the second claim, McDonald, through on goal, was brought down from behind but the appeals were waved away.
Charlton threw everything at Gillingham, who were guilty of their season-long failing of dropping further and further back to protect their slender lead, in the closing 20 minutes but were up against a top notch display from Nelson.
In time-added, one last punt into the box, saw Herd needlessly handball and from the resultant penalty, Nicky Ajose sent Nelson the wrong way to delight the massed ranks of away support that had filled the Brian Moore Stand.
Gillingham (1) 1 Dack 41
Charlton Athletic (0) 1 Ajose 90
Attendance: 8,670
Entrance: Season Ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 58/3,445
Match Report
As a Gillingham supporter, I'm not going to hide behind the referee. The reason Gillingham failed to acquire all three points and failed once more to collect a clean sheet was mainly of their own failings, but it might have been different with another referee.
Hayward had four penalty claims to adjudicate. There is no doubt that both of the penalties he awarded to Charlton were the correct decisions, but the claims that he denied for fouls on Cody McDonald were controversial to say the least and, from my seat, the second one was clearly wrong. If it had been given and if (if is a huge word) it had been converted, then Charlton's last minute spot kick would have been mere consolation.
After watching Cody McDonald perform the thankless task of lone striker against Walsall, Justin Edinburgh made the surprising, but welcome, change by adding both Frank Nouble and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas to his front line. With Bradley Dack at the front of the midfield diamond, nobody on this occasion, could complain about the potential firepower.
The opening quarter was dominated by the home side but without creating any clear cut chances. Pot shots from distance by Ryan Jackson and Chris Herd was about as good as it got. After 26 minutes Emmanuel-Thomas sent Dack clear but the Charlton goalkeeper, Declan Rudd, smothered his attempt to lift the ball over him.
On the half-hour mark, Jonathan Bond, suffering a groin problem, needed to be replaced between the sticks for Gillingham by Stuart Nelson.
Four minutes before the break Gillingham took the lead. Emmanuel-Thomas switched the ball to Paul Konchesky, and the left-back cut in and hit a right-footed cross, where Dack popped up with a top-class header to make it 1-0.
Nelson made a great save to deny Josh Magennis, clawing the striker's header away from the top corner.
The respite was not to last. From the resulting corner, the referee pointed to the spot after adjuding that Ryan Jackson had held his man as the ball was in the air. Nelson confirmed his hero status, pushing Ricky Holmes' spot kick to safety.
After the hour mark, and in the space of five minutes, came the two contentious Gillingham appeals. For the second claim, McDonald, through on goal, was brought down from behind but the appeals were waved away.
Charlton threw everything at Gillingham, who were guilty of their season-long failing of dropping further and further back to protect their slender lead, in the closing 20 minutes but were up against a top notch display from Nelson.
In time-added, one last punt into the box, saw Herd needlessly handball and from the resultant penalty, Nicky Ajose sent Nelson the wrong way to delight the massed ranks of away support that had filled the Brian Moore Stand.
Tonbridge Angels U18 5 Maidstone United U18 5
Match 41/16/1349 - Wednesday, 19th October 2016 - FA Youth Cup 3QR
Tonbridge (3) 5 Sollis 6,31,45+2 Frimpong 62 L Smith 88
Maidstone United (2) 5 D Smith 2,55 Dorling 45+1, Richards 70 Burtonshaw 75
After extra time. Maidstone won 6-5 on penalties.
Attendance: 256
Entrance: £1 Senior
Programme: £1
Mileage: 38/3,387
Tonbridge bowed out of the FA Youth Cup at the final qualifying stage in a dramatic evening that culminated with a penalty shoot-out after Maidstone United and themselves a fought goal for goal through 120 minutes that had ended with the unlikely scoreline of 5-5.
How different to the previous evening when two League One sides set each other the task of sending their paying public to sleep.
An attendance of 256 would have been the envy of most in Ryman League South and quite a few of the senior side’s Premier League counterparts.
Jay Stubberfield, the Tonbridge manager, said before the game that it would be a close encounter as the two sides knew each so well; in fact several actually go to school together. There was also a familiar face in the Maidstone dug-out, Tonbridge’s very own Tom Parkinson!
The game was of interest also to the club’s senior staff with Steve McKimm and Maidstone’s manager, Jay Saunders both in attendance.
The game set out as it meant to go on with Maidstone taking an early lead after just two minutes. Jack Richards, a thorn in Tonbridge’s side all evening, took advantage of a lapse from Liam Smith to shoot across the face of goal. Lewis Mitchell parried the ball only into the path of Dave Smith who had the easiest of tap-ins.
Tonbridge were only momentarily rocked back on their heels though and after six minutes, a bad back pass from Joe Ford saw Sid Sollis capitalise with a fine finish past the advancing Tommy Taylor in the Stone’s goal.
The game ebbed and flowed at a rare old pace with Richards at the sharp end of every Maidstone attack and letting go a shot whether he was four or 40 yards from goal.
Just past the half-hour mark Tonbridge took the lead when Tommy Chapman stood up the perfect cross for Sollis to head home from close range.
Tonbridge had their tails up now and Richard Frimpong was next to try his luck but his effort went narrowly wide and when Sollis was brought down there were loud appeals for a penalty that were turned away by the referee, Daniel Proctor, who had a very good evening.
In the first minute of first half added time, Maidstone equalised when Mitchell flapped at a cross and paid the price when Josh Dorling fired in the loose ball.
Nonetheless, first half goals were not finished, as Tonbridge retook the lead at 45+2 minutes. A pass over the top from Connor Watson was misjudged by Ford and Sollis strode on to shoot past Taylor for his first half hat-trick.
After 55 minutes a magnificent, dipping shot over the diving body of Mitchell from Richards brought the Stones back level at 3-3.
It was certainly raining goals as just past the hour, Sollis set up Frimpong for a strike from around the penalty spot to make it 4-3 and ten minutes later, a speculative shot from Richards went under the body of Mitchell to make it 4-4.
The focal point of each attack, Sollis and Richards, both had strikes on goal before, after 75 minutes, another thunderbolt from 25 yards by Jon Burtenshaw put the Stones in front at 5-4.
With just two minutes remaining on the clock, a free kick on the right was sent into the box by Chapman to the head of Smith who steered it into the net for 5-5. In the act of challenging for the cross, Jack Fenton took a knock to the head and after a long delay had to be helped from the field. Having used all their substitutes, Tonbridge now had the prospect of 30 minutes extra time with 10 men.
Despite the goalscoring fiesta of the regular 90 minutes and Tonbridge’s personnel disadvantage, through extra time the score line remained the same. Liam Smith managed to clear a bundled shot from the line, a Sollis run was ended with a foul on the edge of the box from which the free kick was fired over before the game was brought to an end with a penalty shoot-out to decide who went through and, sadly, we all know what happens when any Tonbridge side are involved in these tie breakers. Each side missed one during the regulation five and at 6-5 it was the beautiful left foot of Tommy Chapman that stroked his spot kick against the bar to allow Maidstone the celebrations.
This was a wonderful evening’s entertainment. You won’t hear this very often from me, hopefully never again, but good luck to Maidstone, they hugely contributed to a great game played in the right manner.
Pictures courtesy of Dave Couldridge
Tonbridge (3) 5 Sollis 6,31,45+2 Frimpong 62 L Smith 88
Maidstone United (2) 5 D Smith 2,55 Dorling 45+1, Richards 70 Burtonshaw 75
After extra time. Maidstone won 6-5 on penalties.
Attendance: 256
Entrance: £1 Senior
Programme: £1
Mileage: 38/3,387
How different to the previous evening when two League One sides set each other the task of sending their paying public to sleep.
An attendance of 256 would have been the envy of most in Ryman League South and quite a few of the senior side’s Premier League counterparts.
Jay Stubberfield, the Tonbridge manager, said before the game that it would be a close encounter as the two sides knew each so well; in fact several actually go to school together. There was also a familiar face in the Maidstone dug-out, Tonbridge’s very own Tom Parkinson!
The game set out as it meant to go on with Maidstone taking an early lead after just two minutes. Jack Richards, a thorn in Tonbridge’s side all evening, took advantage of a lapse from Liam Smith to shoot across the face of goal. Lewis Mitchell parried the ball only into the path of Dave Smith who had the easiest of tap-ins.
Tonbridge were only momentarily rocked back on their heels though and after six minutes, a bad back pass from Joe Ford saw Sid Sollis capitalise with a fine finish past the advancing Tommy Taylor in the Stone’s goal.
The game ebbed and flowed at a rare old pace with Richards at the sharp end of every Maidstone attack and letting go a shot whether he was four or 40 yards from goal.
Just past the half-hour mark Tonbridge took the lead when Tommy Chapman stood up the perfect cross for Sollis to head home from close range.
Tonbridge had their tails up now and Richard Frimpong was next to try his luck but his effort went narrowly wide and when Sollis was brought down there were loud appeals for a penalty that were turned away by the referee, Daniel Proctor, who had a very good evening.
In the first minute of first half added time, Maidstone equalised when Mitchell flapped at a cross and paid the price when Josh Dorling fired in the loose ball.
Nonetheless, first half goals were not finished, as Tonbridge retook the lead at 45+2 minutes. A pass over the top from Connor Watson was misjudged by Ford and Sollis strode on to shoot past Taylor for his first half hat-trick.
After 55 minutes a magnificent, dipping shot over the diving body of Mitchell from Richards brought the Stones back level at 3-3.
It was certainly raining goals as just past the hour, Sollis set up Frimpong for a strike from around the penalty spot to make it 4-3 and ten minutes later, a speculative shot from Richards went under the body of Mitchell to make it 4-4.
The focal point of each attack, Sollis and Richards, both had strikes on goal before, after 75 minutes, another thunderbolt from 25 yards by Jon Burtenshaw put the Stones in front at 5-4.
With just two minutes remaining on the clock, a free kick on the right was sent into the box by Chapman to the head of Smith who steered it into the net for 5-5. In the act of challenging for the cross, Jack Fenton took a knock to the head and after a long delay had to be helped from the field. Having used all their substitutes, Tonbridge now had the prospect of 30 minutes extra time with 10 men.
Despite the goalscoring fiesta of the regular 90 minutes and Tonbridge’s personnel disadvantage, through extra time the score line remained the same. Liam Smith managed to clear a bundled shot from the line, a Sollis run was ended with a foul on the edge of the box from which the free kick was fired over before the game was brought to an end with a penalty shoot-out to decide who went through and, sadly, we all know what happens when any Tonbridge side are involved in these tie breakers. Each side missed one during the regulation five and at 6-5 it was the beautiful left foot of Tommy Chapman that stroked his spot kick against the bar to allow Maidstone the celebrations.
This was a wonderful evening’s entertainment. You won’t hear this very often from me, hopefully never again, but good luck to Maidstone, they hugely contributed to a great game played in the right manner.
Thursday, 20 October 2016
Gillingham 1 Walsall 1
Match 40/16/1348 - Tuesday, 18th October 2016 - League One
Gillingham (1) 1 McDonald 24
Walsall (0) 1 Moussa 58
Attendance: 5,391
Entrance: Season Ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 58/3,349
Match Report
Ninety-four minutes of my life that are not going to be given back; 94 minutes of frustration and boredom. I think I clock-watched each one of those minutes, watching Gillingham is just not a entertaining experience right now and there was nothing in this performance that suggested it is going to change any time soon. I've wasted too much time on this game, please excuse me on this occasion if the post is short and to the point, I don't want to waste anymore time on this game.
Some of the decisions Justin Edinburgh made from team selection to substitutions defied logic and at the final whistle when faced with, what was probably inappropriate, abuse he then stupidly engaged the perpetrator. It all suggests a man under severe pressure.
Walsall arrived, on a night when the autumn chill was just beginning to bite, without a win on the road, having scored just twice in six games. Despite that less than impressive record, Edinburgh opted to go with a lone striker, Cody McDonald, who ran his nuts off for 94 minutes, leaving three further strikers on the bench and that is where they stayed.
McDonald was the one shining light on a dark evening. How he was overlooked for the man-of-the-match award was about as mystifying as Edinburgh's decisions and Gillingham's failings.
A wonderful bit of wing play from Scott Wagstaff culminated with him standing up the perfect cross for McDonald to head in from close range after 24 minutes. This presented the perfect opportunity for Gillingham to impose themselves on the game and lift a quiet Priestfield. But no, they retreated, offered Walsall a way back into the game which they would ultimately take.
A half-time substitution through injury led to the attack-minded Wagstaff being replaced by the defensive-minded Mark Byrne and the 30 yards of wasteland between McDonald and his nearest team mate seemed to grow bigger with the passing of every mind-numbing minute.
With so many blue shirts parked in their own half it is still a mystery as to why Erhun Oztumer, a player I much admired in his non-league days at Dulwich Hamlet, was allowed the time and space to unload a 25 yard shot that Jonathan Bond couldn't hold with the quickest to react to the rebound being Franck Moussa who had an easy touch-in.
I spoke to an older guy in the last couple of days, who on being informed that I was a Gillingham supporter, he told me that he had been a regular at Priestfield since 1957. These days he doesn't go so much and after his last visit, the home defeat by Oldham, he said he probably would not go again.
This coming Saturday offers the visit of Charlton Athletic. Hopefully, a large travelling contingent will lift the atmosphere that has been almost funereal. I'm not necessarily advocating that Edinburgh should lose his position, but something needs to change and quickly, otherwise I, despite my season ticket, might be among those turning their backs on the club. It's not about a winning team, it's about enjoying an afternoon at football and at this moment in time, that is not what I am doing.
Gillingham (1) 1 McDonald 24
Walsall (0) 1 Moussa 58
Attendance: 5,391
Entrance: Season Ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 58/3,349
Match Report
Ninety-four minutes of my life that are not going to be given back; 94 minutes of frustration and boredom. I think I clock-watched each one of those minutes, watching Gillingham is just not a entertaining experience right now and there was nothing in this performance that suggested it is going to change any time soon. I've wasted too much time on this game, please excuse me on this occasion if the post is short and to the point, I don't want to waste anymore time on this game.
Some of the decisions Justin Edinburgh made from team selection to substitutions defied logic and at the final whistle when faced with, what was probably inappropriate, abuse he then stupidly engaged the perpetrator. It all suggests a man under severe pressure.
Walsall arrived, on a night when the autumn chill was just beginning to bite, without a win on the road, having scored just twice in six games. Despite that less than impressive record, Edinburgh opted to go with a lone striker, Cody McDonald, who ran his nuts off for 94 minutes, leaving three further strikers on the bench and that is where they stayed.
McDonald was the one shining light on a dark evening. How he was overlooked for the man-of-the-match award was about as mystifying as Edinburgh's decisions and Gillingham's failings.
A wonderful bit of wing play from Scott Wagstaff culminated with him standing up the perfect cross for McDonald to head in from close range after 24 minutes. This presented the perfect opportunity for Gillingham to impose themselves on the game and lift a quiet Priestfield. But no, they retreated, offered Walsall a way back into the game which they would ultimately take.
A half-time substitution through injury led to the attack-minded Wagstaff being replaced by the defensive-minded Mark Byrne and the 30 yards of wasteland between McDonald and his nearest team mate seemed to grow bigger with the passing of every mind-numbing minute.
With so many blue shirts parked in their own half it is still a mystery as to why Erhun Oztumer, a player I much admired in his non-league days at Dulwich Hamlet, was allowed the time and space to unload a 25 yard shot that Jonathan Bond couldn't hold with the quickest to react to the rebound being Franck Moussa who had an easy touch-in.
I spoke to an older guy in the last couple of days, who on being informed that I was a Gillingham supporter, he told me that he had been a regular at Priestfield since 1957. These days he doesn't go so much and after his last visit, the home defeat by Oldham, he said he probably would not go again.
This coming Saturday offers the visit of Charlton Athletic. Hopefully, a large travelling contingent will lift the atmosphere that has been almost funereal. I'm not necessarily advocating that Edinburgh should lose his position, but something needs to change and quickly, otherwise I, despite my season ticket, might be among those turning their backs on the club. It's not about a winning team, it's about enjoying an afternoon at football and at this moment in time, that is not what I am doing.
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