Match 34/25/2376 - Saturday, 8th November 2025 - National League South
Tonbridge Angels (0) 0
Hornchurch (0) 1 Hearn 62
Attendance: 803
Admission: Season Ticket
Mileage: 38/2,169
Despite a tough examination of their credentials as National League South leaders, Hornchurch departed the Yeomans Community Stadium with their unbeaten run and their six point lead at the head of the table intact, courtesy of a Henry Hearn goal just beyond the hour mark.
Tonbridge battled hard but foundered in the final third against a resilient, steadfast Hornchurch defence that offered the Angels precious little in clear cut chances.
Alan Dunne reflected in his post-match interview: “You can see why Hornchurch are top of the league but saying that I felt we controlled the game both in and out of possession. I was disappointed not to come away with something from the game, I thought we deserved at least a point.”
The Angels manager gave debuts to new signings Jack West-Astuti and Logan Dobbs with Jacob Adams and Nazir Bakrin dropping to the bench alongside another new signing, Tom Leahy.
Hornchurch started the game brightly, with a confidence borne of a long unbeaten run that stretches back to the latter part of last season and had the opening opportunity when Henry collected a cross from ex-Angel Charlie Pegrum, but shot wide when well placed.
The Angels were far from overawed by the table-toppers and there was very little in the game in the first half in the way of clear cut chances with set piece efforts for the visitors from Frankie Edwards and Tom Wraight and, for the Angels, a Kyle Smith low cross which narrowly eluded Bunmi Babajide after 11 minutes and a free kick from Smith which rippled the top of the netting.
Hornchurch made strong claims for a penalty that was waved away before on 62 minutes, a Dobbs challenge saved the day as Hearn looked poised to score, but the respite was only to last a minute as a long cross from the right by Wraight eluded the outstretched leg of Dobbs and Hearn dinked a clever finish over the advancing West-Astuti.
The introduction of Sean Shields brought a cross from the right that fellow substitute Alfie Pavey met with a header that cleared the bar and, as Hornchurch defended deeply with numbers in the closing minutes, the clear opportunity was continually denied.
Dunney concluded: “My only criticism today was that we tried to score the perfect goal and we didn’t work their goalkeeper enough. We got into the box and into good areas but we’ve had five or six entries but could not get a shot off. The difference between Hornchurch, top of the league and us, was they were a little bit more savvy, bit more street-wise.”
Thursday, 13 November 2025
Wednesday, 12 November 2025
Tonbridge Angels 2 Chelmsford City 4
Match 33/25/2375 - Tuesday, 4th November 2025 - National League South
Tonbridge Angels (0) 2 Peart 56,75
Chelmsford City (2) 4 Folarin 12,29 Adigun 54 Remy 84
Attendance: 803
Admission: Season Ticket
Mileage: 38/2,131
Tonbridge Angels rued individual errors as they fell back to earth with a bump after the euphoria of Saturday’s historic afternoon at the Gallagher. Chelmsford City emphasised that National League South can be an unforgiving place as they clinically punished the Angels to win 4-2 despite a spirited fightback from three goals down.
Manager Alan Dunne: “It was a game that was way to open for my liking. I felt, coming into the game, not having been in on Sunday or Monday, I couldn’t really get the weekend out of them, I could feel that in the dressing room. Shape-wise, we tried to do something a little bit different, I wanted to be more positive going forward and create some chances and it didn’t work. But, we were the makers of our own downfall, first one the keeper has spilled; second one is a mistake on our part. Saying that, second half, and throughout the game, we’ve had good clear chances, I don’t think we’ve had so many chances all season but the defending, and the goals we gave away are not us, I want us to be a solid team and against a team like Chelmsford, you cannot play like that.”
Dunney made two changes from Saturday with Jordan Higgs and Marcus Sablier coming into the starting XI for Bailey Akehurst and Scott Wagstaff.
As fireworks lit up the Longmead sky, the Angels started on the front foot, forcing early corners, the second of which brought a header from Arthur Penney that drifted narrowly wide.
But, in the 12th minute, it was the visitors that opened the scoring when a shot from 20 yards by ex-Angels loanee, Jason Adigun, rebounded off the chest of Jacob Adams into the path of Sam Folarin, who poached a finish.
Tonbridge responded well with efforts from Bunmi Babajide; a shot over from Matt Warren after combining well with Babajide and a header from Naz Bakrin.
But, once more an individual error led to Chelmsford doubling their advantage on 29 minutes when a crossfield pass from Higgs was intercepted and when Folarin reached the ball first and touched it past Penney, he was through on goal to bury his shot into the bottom corner.
The Angels manager rattled the changes directly after the break introducing Brody Peart, Bobby Unwin and Akehurst but it was the visitors that got the all-important third goal on 54 minutes when an attempted pass from Adigun rebounded off Bakrin back into his path for a good finish into the bottom corner.
Two minutes later, Peart offered Tonbridge a lifeline when he fastened onto a clearance and, from 25 yards, lashed his shot into the bottom corner.
The Angels ploughed forward in search of reducing the deficit with an Unwin cross that evaded everyone and Chelmsford’s Chris Haigh gratefully grabbed an effort from Peart at the second attempt.
After a couple of efforts from Inih Effiong and a disallowed goal for Chelmsford, Tonbridge were right back in the game as Haigh dropped a cross and with his back to goal, Peart hooked the ball into the net.
As the home side pressed hard for an equaliser they were caught short-handed at the back and Adigun, outpacing his marker, was able to lay the ball across for Shiloh Remy to touch into an empty net.
Dunney concluded: “Sometimes you cannot account for individual errors and a couple of individual mistakes have cost us and that was the difference. We looked tired, perhaps one game too many, but we’ve been on a great run and I want to stay positive, put it behind us and look forward to Saturday.”
Tonbridge Angels (0) 2 Peart 56,75
Chelmsford City (2) 4 Folarin 12,29 Adigun 54 Remy 84
Attendance: 803
Admission: Season Ticket
Mileage: 38/2,131
Tonbridge Angels rued individual errors as they fell back to earth with a bump after the euphoria of Saturday’s historic afternoon at the Gallagher. Chelmsford City emphasised that National League South can be an unforgiving place as they clinically punished the Angels to win 4-2 despite a spirited fightback from three goals down.
Manager Alan Dunne: “It was a game that was way to open for my liking. I felt, coming into the game, not having been in on Sunday or Monday, I couldn’t really get the weekend out of them, I could feel that in the dressing room. Shape-wise, we tried to do something a little bit different, I wanted to be more positive going forward and create some chances and it didn’t work. But, we were the makers of our own downfall, first one the keeper has spilled; second one is a mistake on our part. Saying that, second half, and throughout the game, we’ve had good clear chances, I don’t think we’ve had so many chances all season but the defending, and the goals we gave away are not us, I want us to be a solid team and against a team like Chelmsford, you cannot play like that.”
Dunney made two changes from Saturday with Jordan Higgs and Marcus Sablier coming into the starting XI for Bailey Akehurst and Scott Wagstaff.
As fireworks lit up the Longmead sky, the Angels started on the front foot, forcing early corners, the second of which brought a header from Arthur Penney that drifted narrowly wide.
But, in the 12th minute, it was the visitors that opened the scoring when a shot from 20 yards by ex-Angels loanee, Jason Adigun, rebounded off the chest of Jacob Adams into the path of Sam Folarin, who poached a finish.
Tonbridge responded well with efforts from Bunmi Babajide; a shot over from Matt Warren after combining well with Babajide and a header from Naz Bakrin.
But, once more an individual error led to Chelmsford doubling their advantage on 29 minutes when a crossfield pass from Higgs was intercepted and when Folarin reached the ball first and touched it past Penney, he was through on goal to bury his shot into the bottom corner.
The Angels manager rattled the changes directly after the break introducing Brody Peart, Bobby Unwin and Akehurst but it was the visitors that got the all-important third goal on 54 minutes when an attempted pass from Adigun rebounded off Bakrin back into his path for a good finish into the bottom corner.
Two minutes later, Peart offered Tonbridge a lifeline when he fastened onto a clearance and, from 25 yards, lashed his shot into the bottom corner.
The Angels ploughed forward in search of reducing the deficit with an Unwin cross that evaded everyone and Chelmsford’s Chris Haigh gratefully grabbed an effort from Peart at the second attempt.
After a couple of efforts from Inih Effiong and a disallowed goal for Chelmsford, Tonbridge were right back in the game as Haigh dropped a cross and with his back to goal, Peart hooked the ball into the net.
As the home side pressed hard for an equaliser they were caught short-handed at the back and Adigun, outpacing his marker, was able to lay the ball across for Shiloh Remy to touch into an empty net.
Dunney concluded: “Sometimes you cannot account for individual errors and a couple of individual mistakes have cost us and that was the difference. We looked tired, perhaps one game too many, but we’ve been on a great run and I want to stay positive, put it behind us and look forward to Saturday.”
Tuesday, 4 November 2025
Merstham U18 6 Tonbridge Angels U18 1
Match 32/25/2375 - Wednesday, 29th September 2025 - FA Youth Cup First Round
Merstham U18 (2) 6
Tonbridge Angels U18 (0) 1 Wallace
Attendance: 250
Admission: £2
Mileage: 38/2,093
Tonbridge Angels Under-18’s run to the FA Youth Cup First Round, for the first time in 21 years, came to a shuddering halt at Merstham with a comprehensive defeat.
Merstham, who last season reached the Fourth Round, earning a trip to Stamford Bridge, had a bit too much for the Angels, who nonetheless contributed to their own downfall, uncharacteristically defending poorly on the night.
At times, the quality that the hosts displayed were testament to their identity as a Volenti Academy team and part of the Crystal Palace development programme, shone through and when the Angels went behind after just three minutes when a cross from the right was stabbed home by Tojayo Dada, the game was to be an uphill battle from that moment.
The Angels lads battled hard to get themselves back into the game, hitting both the post and the crossbar, but their momentum was further set-back on 28 minutes when Marley Sablier scored from close range.
Tonbridge further cursed their luck when they had a goal disallowed for a somewhat dubious offside decision.
Into the second period, the third goal was always going to be the important one, Fiachra Pritchard fired over and a couple of corners were won, but it was the home side that found the goal on 58 minutes when a long ball forward split the defence allowing Kobe Frazer to finish clinically past the advancing Jacob Hunt.
The Angels continued to press hard with Mackenzie Richardson bringing a save from the goalkeeper, but they were caught on the break again, as Sablier latched onto a defensive error to finish into the bottom corner and effectively close out the game on 65 minutes.
Logan Wallace pulled a goal back to offer the briefest of hope of a comeback before a well-worked goal made it 5-1.
Frazer made the scoreline a harsh 6-1 with a smart finish, capitalising on a poor clearance.
Despite its unfortunate ending, the Under-18’s should take great pride in their run that took them past Cray Wanderers, Hollands & Blair and Welling United.
Dom Welsh said afterwards: “A really difficult one to take tonight, I actually feel we didn’t play as badly as the score suggests. We made too many basic errors in key moments. We hit the bar twice, and had a goal disallowed at a crucial moment in the game. One thing’s for sure it’s been a fantastic run to get to the first round, something that’s not been achieved in a very long time and I am very proud of the boys for doing so.”
Merstham U18 (2) 6
Tonbridge Angels U18 (0) 1 Wallace
Attendance: 250
Admission: £2
Mileage: 38/2,093
Tonbridge Angels Under-18’s run to the FA Youth Cup First Round, for the first time in 21 years, came to a shuddering halt at Merstham with a comprehensive defeat.
Merstham, who last season reached the Fourth Round, earning a trip to Stamford Bridge, had a bit too much for the Angels, who nonetheless contributed to their own downfall, uncharacteristically defending poorly on the night.
At times, the quality that the hosts displayed were testament to their identity as a Volenti Academy team and part of the Crystal Palace development programme, shone through and when the Angels went behind after just three minutes when a cross from the right was stabbed home by Tojayo Dada, the game was to be an uphill battle from that moment.
The Angels lads battled hard to get themselves back into the game, hitting both the post and the crossbar, but their momentum was further set-back on 28 minutes when Marley Sablier scored from close range.
Tonbridge further cursed their luck when they had a goal disallowed for a somewhat dubious offside decision.
Into the second period, the third goal was always going to be the important one, Fiachra Pritchard fired over and a couple of corners were won, but it was the home side that found the goal on 58 minutes when a long ball forward split the defence allowing Kobe Frazer to finish clinically past the advancing Jacob Hunt.
The Angels continued to press hard with Mackenzie Richardson bringing a save from the goalkeeper, but they were caught on the break again, as Sablier latched onto a defensive error to finish into the bottom corner and effectively close out the game on 65 minutes.
Logan Wallace pulled a goal back to offer the briefest of hope of a comeback before a well-worked goal made it 5-1.
Frazer made the scoreline a harsh 6-1 with a smart finish, capitalising on a poor clearance.
Despite its unfortunate ending, the Under-18’s should take great pride in their run that took them past Cray Wanderers, Hollands & Blair and Welling United.
Dom Welsh said afterwards: “A really difficult one to take tonight, I actually feel we didn’t play as badly as the score suggests. We made too many basic errors in key moments. We hit the bar twice, and had a goal disallowed at a crucial moment in the game. One thing’s for sure it’s been a fantastic run to get to the first round, something that’s not been achieved in a very long time and I am very proud of the boys for doing so.”
Friday, 17 October 2025
Tonbridge Angels 1 Chatham Town 3
Match 31/25/2374 - Saturday, 11th September 2025 - FA Cup 4QR
Tonbridge Angels (1) 1 Sablier 8
Chatham Town (0) 3 Fadahunsi 46 Oldfield 66 (pen) Leathers 90+6
Attendance: 1,250
Admission: Pass
Mileage: 38/2,093
Tonbridge Angels exited the FA Cup at the final qualifying round stage after a defeat at the Yeomans Community Stadium to Kent neighbours Chatham Town, who will enjoy a place in the First Round Proper for the first time in 97 years.
Alan Dunne made one change from the starting XI for last Saturday’s National League South game against Dover Athletic with Brody Peart in for Sam German who took a place on the bench alongside new signing Tobi Omole.
The Angels had gone into the break a goal up following a well-worked goal from Marcus Sablier, albeit that it took a hefty deflection to loop the ball over Henry Molyneux, after a cross from Peart had been laid back by Eddie Simon to Scott Wagstaff, but the scoreline pretty much reflected the pattern of the half.
With Brody Peart exposing Chatham down the right, Tonbridge had chances to extend their lead with Simon’s header being cleared from the line by Reece Butler and having a shot saved low by Molyneux. But going into the break with only a single goal lead was to be their undoing.
Alan Dunne reflected on the first half: “I thought we were excellent in the first half and should have put the game to bed, we had the chances. But coming in at half-time, we said that the next goal would be massive, but they caught us a bit cold and got the goal. After the penalty, we are chasing the game.”
Chatham were on level terms within the first minute of the second period when Kasim Aidoo’s cross from the left was touched on by Sam Sene-Richardson into the path of Tope Fadahunsi who scored from the edge of the six yard box.
Chatham hit the front after 66 minutes when a free kick into the box was only palmed away by Jacob Adams and, as the ball was recycled, Nazir Bakrin was adjudged to have brought down Reece Butler which allowed Stanley Oldfield to convert from the spot.
Tonbridge threw bodies forward in search of an equaliser but, with this, they were vulnerable to the break and, as the clock ticked into the final minute of added time, substitute Dapo Olugbodi broke clear with a scintillating run before setting up Adam Leathers for a simple tap-in to seal the Chats history-making victory.
Dunney summed up: “We are obviously disappointed with the result, congratulations to Chatham. The FA Cup, much as it’s great, is secondary to what we are about this year. There is a real opportunity to do something special, we now need to focus on the league and finish as high as we can. We have to believe we can achieve something special and one result doesn’t define our season.”
Tonbridge Angels (1) 1 Sablier 8
Chatham Town (0) 3 Fadahunsi 46 Oldfield 66 (pen) Leathers 90+6
Attendance: 1,250
Admission: Pass
Mileage: 38/2,093
Tonbridge Angels exited the FA Cup at the final qualifying round stage after a defeat at the Yeomans Community Stadium to Kent neighbours Chatham Town, who will enjoy a place in the First Round Proper for the first time in 97 years.
Alan Dunne made one change from the starting XI for last Saturday’s National League South game against Dover Athletic with Brody Peart in for Sam German who took a place on the bench alongside new signing Tobi Omole.
The Angels had gone into the break a goal up following a well-worked goal from Marcus Sablier, albeit that it took a hefty deflection to loop the ball over Henry Molyneux, after a cross from Peart had been laid back by Eddie Simon to Scott Wagstaff, but the scoreline pretty much reflected the pattern of the half.
With Brody Peart exposing Chatham down the right, Tonbridge had chances to extend their lead with Simon’s header being cleared from the line by Reece Butler and having a shot saved low by Molyneux. But going into the break with only a single goal lead was to be their undoing.
Alan Dunne reflected on the first half: “I thought we were excellent in the first half and should have put the game to bed, we had the chances. But coming in at half-time, we said that the next goal would be massive, but they caught us a bit cold and got the goal. After the penalty, we are chasing the game.”
Chatham were on level terms within the first minute of the second period when Kasim Aidoo’s cross from the left was touched on by Sam Sene-Richardson into the path of Tope Fadahunsi who scored from the edge of the six yard box.
Chatham hit the front after 66 minutes when a free kick into the box was only palmed away by Jacob Adams and, as the ball was recycled, Nazir Bakrin was adjudged to have brought down Reece Butler which allowed Stanley Oldfield to convert from the spot.
Tonbridge threw bodies forward in search of an equaliser but, with this, they were vulnerable to the break and, as the clock ticked into the final minute of added time, substitute Dapo Olugbodi broke clear with a scintillating run before setting up Adam Leathers for a simple tap-in to seal the Chats history-making victory.
Dunney summed up: “We are obviously disappointed with the result, congratulations to Chatham. The FA Cup, much as it’s great, is secondary to what we are about this year. There is a real opportunity to do something special, we now need to focus on the league and finish as high as we can. We have to believe we can achieve something special and one result doesn’t define our season.”
Friday, 10 October 2025
Hollands & Blair U18 2 Tonbridge Angels U18 3
Match 28/25/2371 - Thursday, 2nd October 2025 - FA Youth Cup 2QR
Hollands and Blair U18 (0) 2
Tonbridge Angels U18 (2) 3
Attendance: 80
Admission: £2
Mileage: 36/1,979
Hollands and Blair U18 (0) 2
Tonbridge Angels U18 (2) 3
Attendance: 80
Admission: £2
Mileage: 36/1,979
Tonbridge Angels 4 Sittingbourne 1
Match 30/25/2373 - Tuesday, 7th September 2025 - Kent Senior Cup 2R
Tonbridge Angels (2) 4 Simon 22 (pen),25,55 Babajide 78
Sittingbourne (1) 1 Salako 43
Attendance: 239
Admission: Pass
Mileage: 38/2,055
Tonbridge Angels eased their way into the Kent Senior Cup Third Round with a comfortable win over a spirited Sittingbourne side.
A hat-trick for Eddie Simon paved the way, although a Sittingbourne goal just before the break left the game still in the balance.
Alan Dunne gave several players valuable minutes whilst resting others. Goalkeeper Mackenzie Foley and Antonio Morgan were given debuts whilst Mackenzie Richardson, Martell Taylor-Crossdale and Jack Matton made first starts under the new gaffer.
The home dominated the proceedings from the outset with the Sittingbourne goalkeeper, Joe Osaghae saving from Taylor-Crossdale, Bradley Williams and Simon.
The breakthrough came on 22 minutes when Simon converted from the penalty spot after Brandon Pierrick had been brought down.
The Angels quickly doubled their lead, three minutes later, when Bobby Unwin cut in from the right before pulling the ball back from the bye-line for Simon to score from close range between Osaghae and his near post.
Sittingbourne produced a spirited conclusion to the first half with Michael Salako lobbing over the bar; Ivan Balliu shooting wide before Salako pulled a goal back, tucking home the rebound after a shot from Balliu came back from the post and when a poor pass was intercepted leaving Emmanuel Robe to shoot wildly over the bar, perhaps a few alarm bells were ringing.
Jordan Higgs and Naz Bakrin were introduced immediately after the break for Richardson and Arthur Penney as the Angels seized back control of the game and restored their two goal advantage on 55 minutes with a well-worked goal that involved Marcus Sablier and Pierrick who crossed to the far post for Simon to poach his hat-trick goal.
On 78 minutes, a through ball from Taylor-Crossdale was helped into the path of Bunmi Babajide by Luke Woodward who scored past the advancing Osaghae.
Larry McAvoy, taking the post-match interview, commented: “It was a great opportunity for five or six of the boys who haven’t been playing regularly, haven’t got as many minutes as they would have wanted for them to show the manager what they can do. We know, if we are going to be successful this season, we are going to need 18 players. The atmosphere in the dressing room is great, winning again, scoring goals, so tonight we need to maximise what we got out of it and we did that.”
Simon, whose hat-trick was the first by a Tonbridge player since Chinedu McKenzie’s against Harlow in April 2019, added: “Bobby and Brandon put them on a plate for me. I just want to do the same things, over and over, getting myself in the box and hope that another chance comes along. A hat-trick is always nice, I’ve had two goals twice this season, so I wanted to get the third, delighted to have got it.”
Tonbridge Angels (2) 4 Simon 22 (pen),25,55 Babajide 78
Sittingbourne (1) 1 Salako 43
Attendance: 239
Admission: Pass
Mileage: 38/2,055
Tonbridge Angels eased their way into the Kent Senior Cup Third Round with a comfortable win over a spirited Sittingbourne side.
A hat-trick for Eddie Simon paved the way, although a Sittingbourne goal just before the break left the game still in the balance.
Alan Dunne gave several players valuable minutes whilst resting others. Goalkeeper Mackenzie Foley and Antonio Morgan were given debuts whilst Mackenzie Richardson, Martell Taylor-Crossdale and Jack Matton made first starts under the new gaffer.
The home dominated the proceedings from the outset with the Sittingbourne goalkeeper, Joe Osaghae saving from Taylor-Crossdale, Bradley Williams and Simon.
The breakthrough came on 22 minutes when Simon converted from the penalty spot after Brandon Pierrick had been brought down.
The Angels quickly doubled their lead, three minutes later, when Bobby Unwin cut in from the right before pulling the ball back from the bye-line for Simon to score from close range between Osaghae and his near post.
Sittingbourne produced a spirited conclusion to the first half with Michael Salako lobbing over the bar; Ivan Balliu shooting wide before Salako pulled a goal back, tucking home the rebound after a shot from Balliu came back from the post and when a poor pass was intercepted leaving Emmanuel Robe to shoot wildly over the bar, perhaps a few alarm bells were ringing.
Jordan Higgs and Naz Bakrin were introduced immediately after the break for Richardson and Arthur Penney as the Angels seized back control of the game and restored their two goal advantage on 55 minutes with a well-worked goal that involved Marcus Sablier and Pierrick who crossed to the far post for Simon to poach his hat-trick goal.
On 78 minutes, a through ball from Taylor-Crossdale was helped into the path of Bunmi Babajide by Luke Woodward who scored past the advancing Osaghae.
Larry McAvoy, taking the post-match interview, commented: “It was a great opportunity for five or six of the boys who haven’t been playing regularly, haven’t got as many minutes as they would have wanted for them to show the manager what they can do. We know, if we are going to be successful this season, we are going to need 18 players. The atmosphere in the dressing room is great, winning again, scoring goals, so tonight we need to maximise what we got out of it and we did that.”
Simon, whose hat-trick was the first by a Tonbridge player since Chinedu McKenzie’s against Harlow in April 2019, added: “Bobby and Brandon put them on a plate for me. I just want to do the same things, over and over, getting myself in the box and hope that another chance comes along. A hat-trick is always nice, I’ve had two goals twice this season, so I wanted to get the third, delighted to have got it.”
Tonbridge Angels 2 Dover Athletic 1
Match 29/25/2372 - Saturday, 4th September 2025 - National League South
Tonbridge Angels (0) 2 Wagstaff 49 Peart 57
Dover Athletic (1) 1 Jones 24
Attendance: 1,250
Admission: Season Ticket
Mileage: 38/2,017
A brave, tactical decision from manager, Alan Dunne, at the half-time break turned this entertaining Kent derby in the Angels favour after going into the break with a single goal deficit.
Dunney explained in his post-match interview: “I had to change it, take a defender off and be a little more attacking, braver and I was really pleased with the reaction in the second half, there was only one team in it and it showed me, that as a group, we can go a goal down, react and change.”
The Angels manager made one change from Tuesday’s cup replay starting XI with Matty Warren unfit, Scott Wagstaff returned.
Dover Athletic went into the break with their lead courtesy of a 24th minute goal from Jalen Jones, who swept home a shot into the top corner from the right hand angle of six yard box after a Fuad Sesay cross.
In a tight first half, the Angels undoing had been either the lack of a final pass or the passing up of shooting opportunities which led to Dover’s goalkeeper, Mitch Walker, being barely tested.
In first half added time, ex-Angel Ruben Soares-Junior weaved his way into the box before delivering his shot that was brilliantly pushed to safety by Jacob Adams.
Dunney made an immediate substitution after the break introducing Brody Peart for defender Sam German and the more attack-minded structure brought an early dividend as Bailey Akehurst fired in a low shot that Walker could only parry into the path of Scott Wagstaff who, reacting quickest to the loose ball, made no mistake from close range.
Eight minutes later, the Angels hit the front with a well-worked team goal that saw Bunmi Babajide and Marcus Sablier combine before Akehurst crossed across the face of goal for Peart to arrive at the far post to bury his shot into the bottom corner.
Tonbridge dominated the second period, seeing good chances for Sablier and Simon sent wide while their visitors were unable to open up any opportunities leaving the Angels seeing out the game in relative comfort.
Picture: David Couldridge
Tonbridge Angels (0) 2 Wagstaff 49 Peart 57
Dover Athletic (1) 1 Jones 24
Attendance: 1,250
Admission: Season Ticket
Mileage: 38/2,017
A brave, tactical decision from manager, Alan Dunne, at the half-time break turned this entertaining Kent derby in the Angels favour after going into the break with a single goal deficit.
Dunney explained in his post-match interview: “I had to change it, take a defender off and be a little more attacking, braver and I was really pleased with the reaction in the second half, there was only one team in it and it showed me, that as a group, we can go a goal down, react and change.”
The Angels manager made one change from Tuesday’s cup replay starting XI with Matty Warren unfit, Scott Wagstaff returned.
Dover Athletic went into the break with their lead courtesy of a 24th minute goal from Jalen Jones, who swept home a shot into the top corner from the right hand angle of six yard box after a Fuad Sesay cross.
In a tight first half, the Angels undoing had been either the lack of a final pass or the passing up of shooting opportunities which led to Dover’s goalkeeper, Mitch Walker, being barely tested.
In first half added time, ex-Angel Ruben Soares-Junior weaved his way into the box before delivering his shot that was brilliantly pushed to safety by Jacob Adams.
Dunney made an immediate substitution after the break introducing Brody Peart for defender Sam German and the more attack-minded structure brought an early dividend as Bailey Akehurst fired in a low shot that Walker could only parry into the path of Scott Wagstaff who, reacting quickest to the loose ball, made no mistake from close range.
Eight minutes later, the Angels hit the front with a well-worked team goal that saw Bunmi Babajide and Marcus Sablier combine before Akehurst crossed across the face of goal for Peart to arrive at the far post to bury his shot into the bottom corner.
Tonbridge dominated the second period, seeing good chances for Sablier and Simon sent wide while their visitors were unable to open up any opportunities leaving the Angels seeing out the game in relative comfort.
Picture: David Couldridge
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