Match 30/26/2457 - Saturday, 31st October 2026 - National League South
Tonbridge Angels (1) 1 Akehurst 11
Salisbury (2) 2 Alonge 16 Ogunleye 28
Attendance: 1,362
Admission: Season Ticket
Mileage: 38/1,638
Salisbury extended their unbeaten run to 13 games winning a highly competitive encounter at the Yeomans Community Stadium with a performance described by manager Brian Dutton as one in which “they stood up to the physical side of the game”.
Two goals in the opening 20 minutes set the tone for an entertaining first half. After 11 minutes, a needless push in the back gave Tonbridge Angels a free kick from 20 yards out from which Bailey Akehurst found the top corner past the despairing dive of Will Henry.
The host’s lead was only to last five minutes when a cross into the box found the outstretched, long leg of Jordan Alonge, who poked the ball home.
Salisbury took the lead on 28 minutes when a pass along the 18 yard line found its way to Malachi Ogunleye, who first time shot was drilled low into the bottom corner.
The Angels struck the woodwork twice in the search for an equaliser before the break with Jepthe Tanga hitting the post and Bunmi Babajide’s shot grazing the top of the bar.
Salisbury opened the second period with two opportunities to open up a two goal lead but Alonge’s acrobatic scissor kick was narrowly wide and, through on goal, Nathan Harness saved well from the striker.
Tonbridge pressed hard to salvage a point but their efforts foundered on a strong defence marshalled by Josh Sommerton and his fellow defenders who restricted the home side to very little in the closing quarter hour.
Saturday, 31 October 2026
Tonbridge Angels 2 Charlton Athletic U23 1
Match 29/26/2456 - Tuesday, 20th October 2026 - Kent Senior Cup 2R
Tonbridge Angels (1) 2 Tanga 44 McDonald 89
Charlton Athletic U23 (0) 1 Rayment-Dawkins 81
Attendance: 390
Admission: £10
Mileage: 38/1,600
Tonbridge Angels (1) 2 Tanga 44 McDonald 89
Charlton Athletic U23 (0) 1 Rayment-Dawkins 81
Attendance: 390
Admission: £10
Mileage: 38/1,600
Sunday, 4 October 2026
Tonbridge Angels 0 Torquay United 1
Match 28/26/2455 - Saturday, 3rd October 2026 - FA Cup 3QR
Tonbridge Angels (0) 0
Torquay United (0) 1 Worthington 55
Attendance: 1,204
Admission: £15
Mileage: 38/1,562
SICK OF THE SIGHT OF THEM!
Part of the promotional material for visits of Torquay United makes great play of the friendship that has been generated between the clubs. Seemingly, Torquay supporters love a visit to the Yeomans Community Stadium. Unlike their own stadium, impressive at the level Plainmoor is, they love the freedom to walk around, pint in hand (often at a special offer price), listen to the live music and pass time with the locals without any hassle.
And, invariably, they return to the English Riviera (or London for a number of their exiles) with three points or passage into the next round of a cup competition.
To be honest, I’m sick of the sight of Torquay. Since our FA Trophy win in 2021, they come here and pinch a result that they don’t really deserve. But, on this occasion, we have no one to blame bar ourselves. Tonbridge have dominated the game start to finish, made chances aplenty and failed to take them and then took the sucker punch. Roll on the FA Trophy, a more realistic chance of progress, but to the man with the power of balls, please don’t send Torquay our way again.
We’ve rolled into October, the warmth of summer is still around when normally overcoats are making their opening appearances. Alan Dunne made two changes with Hayden Bullas and Bunmi Babajide returning to the starting XI.
The home side dominated the first half, leading the corner count by seven to one with the Gulls’ goalkeeper, Toby Savin, making significant saves with a touch onto the crossbar following a shot from Lamar Reynolds on 12 minutes and another from Ricky Korboa on 19 minutes.
Opportunities also fell to Ethan Sutcliffe and Bunmi Babajide, leaving the home side frustrated at the break.
Those frustrations increased on 55 minutes when, following a breakaway, Torquay opened the scoring through Matt Worthington who converted with a shot into the top corner after a long ball forward saw Callum Morton drive down the left before crossing low for Worthington to finish.
Tonbridge continued to dominate, but chance after chance foundered on a resolute Torquay defence and when they broke the yellow wall, Savin was there to deny Frankie Baker and when the golden chance of an equaliser came in the third minute of added time, he saved brilliantly from substitute Millar McDonald and following the resultant corner, Alfie Pavey prodded agonisingly wide.
Torquay United had, once more, executed the perfect smash and grab performance at the Yeomans and it is their name that goes into the hat for the Fourth Qualifying Round draw, winning at the admission of their manager, Jimmy Ball, ugly.
Picture: Dave Couldridge
Tonbridge Angels (0) 0
Torquay United (0) 1 Worthington 55
Attendance: 1,204
Admission: £15
Mileage: 38/1,562
SICK OF THE SIGHT OF THEM!
Part of the promotional material for visits of Torquay United makes great play of the friendship that has been generated between the clubs. Seemingly, Torquay supporters love a visit to the Yeomans Community Stadium. Unlike their own stadium, impressive at the level Plainmoor is, they love the freedom to walk around, pint in hand (often at a special offer price), listen to the live music and pass time with the locals without any hassle.
And, invariably, they return to the English Riviera (or London for a number of their exiles) with three points or passage into the next round of a cup competition.
To be honest, I’m sick of the sight of Torquay. Since our FA Trophy win in 2021, they come here and pinch a result that they don’t really deserve. But, on this occasion, we have no one to blame bar ourselves. Tonbridge have dominated the game start to finish, made chances aplenty and failed to take them and then took the sucker punch. Roll on the FA Trophy, a more realistic chance of progress, but to the man with the power of balls, please don’t send Torquay our way again.
We’ve rolled into October, the warmth of summer is still around when normally overcoats are making their opening appearances. Alan Dunne made two changes with Hayden Bullas and Bunmi Babajide returning to the starting XI.
The home side dominated the first half, leading the corner count by seven to one with the Gulls’ goalkeeper, Toby Savin, making significant saves with a touch onto the crossbar following a shot from Lamar Reynolds on 12 minutes and another from Ricky Korboa on 19 minutes.
Opportunities also fell to Ethan Sutcliffe and Bunmi Babajide, leaving the home side frustrated at the break.
Those frustrations increased on 55 minutes when, following a breakaway, Torquay opened the scoring through Matt Worthington who converted with a shot into the top corner after a long ball forward saw Callum Morton drive down the left before crossing low for Worthington to finish.
Tonbridge continued to dominate, but chance after chance foundered on a resolute Torquay defence and when they broke the yellow wall, Savin was there to deny Frankie Baker and when the golden chance of an equaliser came in the third minute of added time, he saved brilliantly from substitute Millar McDonald and following the resultant corner, Alfie Pavey prodded agonisingly wide.
Torquay United had, once more, executed the perfect smash and grab performance at the Yeomans and it is their name that goes into the hat for the Fourth Qualifying Round draw, winning at the admission of their manager, Jimmy Ball, ugly.
Picture: Dave Couldridge
Wednesday, 30 September 2026
Tonbridge Angels U18 3 Horsham U18 3
Match 27/26/2454 - Monday, 28th September 2026 - FA Youth Cup 2QR
Tonbridge Angels U18 (1) 3 Bingham 26 Byatt 64 Powers 72
Horsham U18 (0) 3
Tonbridge Angels win 4-1 on penalties
Attendance:
Admission: £5
Mileage: 38/1,524
WHO LOVES A PENALTY SHOOT-OUT?
Who doesn’t love a penalty shoot-out? Perhaps, let’s rephrase that, who doesn’t love a penalty shoot-out win?
Tonbridge Angels U18’s held their nerve from the spot to take their place in the FA Youth Cup, Third Qualifying Round draw,
The Angels U18’s and their Horsham counterparts served up another classic encounter just five weeks after their thrilling league game at the Yeomans Community Stadium which finished 4-4.
There were so many similarities between the two games it was uncanny. Horsham, appearing the dominant side, fall behind; fight back but then find themselves 3-1 with the game seemingly at the Angels mercy but a stirring comeback saw the visitors take the game to its dreaded finale.
Although Horsham held the upper hand in the opening 25 minutes, neither side unduly threatened the other’s goal until a stunning hit from 25 yards from skipper Harry Bingham found the top corner to give the Angels a lead.
Horsham pressed hard for an equaliser but despite narrow misses from successive free kicks, the home side held firm to take their lead into the break.
Five minutes into the second half, Horsham were level, courtesy of a combination of defensive errors that allowed an easy finish.
On the hour, the Angels introduced Anselm Redwood-Sawyerr, a 15 year-old winger from the U16’s Kent Youth League side and his pace on the right, swung the game towards the home side.
On 64 minutes, a corner was bundled home at close range by Dexter Byatt and, on 72 minutes, Redwood-Sawyerr’s run and cross was met at the far post with a stunning volley from Jude Powers to give the Angels a 3-1 lead.
Alarm bels from the league game sounded clear as a bell as Alfie McGuire was beaten at his near post to reduce the deficit with four minutes remaining and, within 60 seconds, the referee was pointing to the spot as a clumsy challenge brought down the forward with the spot kick converted.
Both goalkeepers were brought into action before the referee signalled the penalty shoot-out. The Angels opened the scoring from the spot through Bingham to which Horsham equalised, but the visitors missed the target with their next two whilst Harry Ejje and Jack Denton converted. This left Redwood-Sawyerr to step up with a composed finish to spark delirium among the Tonbridge ranks.
Tonbridge Angels U18 (1) 3 Bingham 26 Byatt 64 Powers 72
Horsham U18 (0) 3
Tonbridge Angels win 4-1 on penalties
Attendance:
Admission: £5
Mileage: 38/1,524
WHO LOVES A PENALTY SHOOT-OUT?
Who doesn’t love a penalty shoot-out? Perhaps, let’s rephrase that, who doesn’t love a penalty shoot-out win?
Tonbridge Angels U18’s held their nerve from the spot to take their place in the FA Youth Cup, Third Qualifying Round draw,
The Angels U18’s and their Horsham counterparts served up another classic encounter just five weeks after their thrilling league game at the Yeomans Community Stadium which finished 4-4.
There were so many similarities between the two games it was uncanny. Horsham, appearing the dominant side, fall behind; fight back but then find themselves 3-1 with the game seemingly at the Angels mercy but a stirring comeback saw the visitors take the game to its dreaded finale.
Although Horsham held the upper hand in the opening 25 minutes, neither side unduly threatened the other’s goal until a stunning hit from 25 yards from skipper Harry Bingham found the top corner to give the Angels a lead.
Horsham pressed hard for an equaliser but despite narrow misses from successive free kicks, the home side held firm to take their lead into the break.
Five minutes into the second half, Horsham were level, courtesy of a combination of defensive errors that allowed an easy finish.
On the hour, the Angels introduced Anselm Redwood-Sawyerr, a 15 year-old winger from the U16’s Kent Youth League side and his pace on the right, swung the game towards the home side.
On 64 minutes, a corner was bundled home at close range by Dexter Byatt and, on 72 minutes, Redwood-Sawyerr’s run and cross was met at the far post with a stunning volley from Jude Powers to give the Angels a 3-1 lead.
Alarm bels from the league game sounded clear as a bell as Alfie McGuire was beaten at his near post to reduce the deficit with four minutes remaining and, within 60 seconds, the referee was pointing to the spot as a clumsy challenge brought down the forward with the spot kick converted.
Both goalkeepers were brought into action before the referee signalled the penalty shoot-out. The Angels opened the scoring from the spot through Bingham to which Horsham equalised, but the visitors missed the target with their next two whilst Harry Ejje and Jack Denton converted. This left Redwood-Sawyerr to step up with a composed finish to spark delirium among the Tonbridge ranks.
Sunday, 27 September 2026
Tonbridge Angels 1 Ebbsfleet United 2
Match 26/26/2453 - Saturday, 26th September 2026 - National League South
Tonbridge Angels (1) 1 Baker 45+3
Ebbsfleet United (2) 2 Kennedy 16 Appiah 26
Attendance: 1,564
Admission: Season Ticket
Mileage: 38/1,486
CHAMPIONS ELECT?
Ebbsfleet United arrived at the Yeomans Community Stadium a mere nine points adrift of their hosts and 14 points off the summit, but look every inch not just title contenders, but favourites.
Ebbsfleet’s financial woes of the summer appear resolved, but their chequered history with the tax man in particular suggests that another court summons can never be ruled out. One hopes not, as they are the friendly variety of our Kent neighbours.
Their belated start leaves them six games in arrears of the majority of the division with a six point penalty hanging over them in suspension, but in a powerful first half performance, chipping away at the deficit on the pitch doesn’t appear to be any great punishment.
For 45 minutes, this game was men against boys, physically Ebbsfleet are intimidating, every player seemed a six footer, and technically as gifted as any team seen this season. That Tonbridge Angels pinched a goal in first half added time is to their credit and when the visitors strangely went into a shell in the second period it offered the home support encouragement.
The visitors dominated the first half, going ahead after 16 minutes, when a partial clearance found Gene Kennedy, whose superbly executed 25 yard volley sailed into the top corner giving Nathan Harness no chance.
Ethan Sutcliffe saw a header clear the bar from a corner as the Angels mounted a response, but on 26 minutes, the Fleet doubled their advantage when a teasing cross from Lennon Peake was met with a stooping header inside the six yard box from Kwesi Appiah.
After being second best for much of the half, Tonbridge gave themselves a foothold in the game, two minutes in added time, when Frankie Baker broke clear and, one-on-one with Will Buse, buried his shot into the bottom corner.
A half-time substitution bringing on Hayden Bullas added impetus to the second half for the Angels who took the game to their visitors but lacked that cutting edge in the final third.
Ben Chapman struck a firm shot from 20 yards that Harness gratefully grabbed at the second attempt whilst, with 15 minutes remaining, a volley from substitute Harvey Lintott whistled just wide of the upright.
In the final 20 minutes, Ebbsfleet adopted a what we have, we hold mindset and professionally saw the game through to its conclusion without too much concern.
Dagenham and Redbridge might just have a say, but having been beaten three times already, I would imagine they are looking over their shoulders at Ebbsfleet as much as anyone else.
Perhaps, the only club that might deprive them of the title is themselves.
Photo: Dave Couldridge
Tonbridge Angels (1) 1 Baker 45+3
Ebbsfleet United (2) 2 Kennedy 16 Appiah 26
Attendance: 1,564
Admission: Season Ticket
Mileage: 38/1,486
CHAMPIONS ELECT?
Ebbsfleet United arrived at the Yeomans Community Stadium a mere nine points adrift of their hosts and 14 points off the summit, but look every inch not just title contenders, but favourites.
Ebbsfleet’s financial woes of the summer appear resolved, but their chequered history with the tax man in particular suggests that another court summons can never be ruled out. One hopes not, as they are the friendly variety of our Kent neighbours.
Their belated start leaves them six games in arrears of the majority of the division with a six point penalty hanging over them in suspension, but in a powerful first half performance, chipping away at the deficit on the pitch doesn’t appear to be any great punishment.
For 45 minutes, this game was men against boys, physically Ebbsfleet are intimidating, every player seemed a six footer, and technically as gifted as any team seen this season. That Tonbridge Angels pinched a goal in first half added time is to their credit and when the visitors strangely went into a shell in the second period it offered the home support encouragement.
The visitors dominated the first half, going ahead after 16 minutes, when a partial clearance found Gene Kennedy, whose superbly executed 25 yard volley sailed into the top corner giving Nathan Harness no chance.
Ethan Sutcliffe saw a header clear the bar from a corner as the Angels mounted a response, but on 26 minutes, the Fleet doubled their advantage when a teasing cross from Lennon Peake was met with a stooping header inside the six yard box from Kwesi Appiah.
After being second best for much of the half, Tonbridge gave themselves a foothold in the game, two minutes in added time, when Frankie Baker broke clear and, one-on-one with Will Buse, buried his shot into the bottom corner.
A half-time substitution bringing on Hayden Bullas added impetus to the second half for the Angels who took the game to their visitors but lacked that cutting edge in the final third.
Ben Chapman struck a firm shot from 20 yards that Harness gratefully grabbed at the second attempt whilst, with 15 minutes remaining, a volley from substitute Harvey Lintott whistled just wide of the upright.
In the final 20 minutes, Ebbsfleet adopted a what we have, we hold mindset and professionally saw the game through to its conclusion without too much concern.
Dagenham and Redbridge might just have a say, but having been beaten three times already, I would imagine they are looking over their shoulders at Ebbsfleet as much as anyone else.
Perhaps, the only club that might deprive them of the title is themselves.
Photo: Dave Couldridge
Tuesday, 22 September 2026
Tonbridge Angels 2 Ramsgate 1
Match 25/26/2452 - Saturday, 19th September 2026 - FA Cup 2QR
Tonbridge Angels (1) 2 Tanga 33 Babajide 84
Ramsgate (1) 1 Paxman 21 (pen)
Attendance: 912
Admission: £15
Mileage: 38/1,448
FA CUP STUTTERING START
The FA Cup journey began with the choke needed to get the old girl going and once she was running, it appeared that she had been filled with dodgy petrol, but with a little help from our east Kent friends, we limped over the line and into Monday’s Third Qualifying Round draw.
The tie always had an element of jeopardy, especially given the Angels lamentable history in the grand old competition.
Nothing is taken for granted in the Cup. We can dream of the million pound payday at Old Trafford but every last supporter is acutely aware that there is a Binfield around the corner.
Nobody of a Tonbridge persuasion takes the competition’s prize money for granted; we all do the maths and add in the losers money for the next round. It’s not a fatalistic attitude, it is one that has become ingrained by years of disappointment.
The First Round Proper is the holy grail that has been achieved seven times in the past, not a great percentage for 77 years of trying.
Ramsgate came to the Yeomans Community Stadium with the recent (2022) experience of making it to Round Two where they travelled to AFC Wimbledon accompanied by 1,500 of their fans. Sadly, it ended in a heavy 5-0 defeat.
On a mild, but breezy, afternoon a moving tribute was made to the legend Steve Churcher. Former chairman and life president, Steve was a heartbeat within the club and his famous jacket and hat were laid in the centre circle whilst a minute's applause was observed.
Alan Dunne made one change with Alfie Pavey leading the line in place of Lamar Reynolds who dropped to the bench.
The Angels made their way into the hat into the draw overcoming their county neighbours, who remained competitive throughout the game despite playing the entire second half a man light after Raphe Brown was sent off following a second yellow that brought the home side a penalty.
Ramsgate took the lead after 21 minutes from the penalty spot after making much the brighter start to the game. Billy Munday was brought down and Alfie Paxman made no mistake sending the Angels goalkeeper, Nathan Harness the wrong way.
The home side equalised after 33 minutes when a surging run and cross from Frankie Baker was rewarded with a close range finish at the far post from Jepthe Tanga.
Tonbridge had the opportunity to go into the break in front when they were awarded a penalty after Baker had been felled by Brown, who received a second yellow and the resultant red card. Bailey Akehurst’s spot kick came back from the underside of the bar and the follow-up ended with a shot that cleared the bar.
An audacious lob from 40 yards from Sam Corne that saw ex-Angels goalkeeper, Jonny Henly touch the ball onto the crossbar brought the first half to an end.
The second half was one of resilience on behalf of the Isthmian League Premier side who battled their way into the final 10 minutes with a dogged display. But, with six minutes remaining, Tanga danced along the byline before pulling the ball back for substitute Bunmi Babajide to fire home.
As a result of this late posting, we now know that Torquay United will make their way to the Yeomans on 3rd October, for their third visit in eight home games for the Angels. We could have wished for an easier tie, but games between the two clubs have been tight in recent times and the home advantage might count for something, although both of the past encounters have resulted in 2-1 wins for the visitors.
On the financial side, it should bring a good attendance and, dare we contemplate that their interests for the season might lie elsewhere.
Pictures: Dave Couldridge
Tonbridge Angels (1) 2 Tanga 33 Babajide 84
Ramsgate (1) 1 Paxman 21 (pen)
Attendance: 912
Admission: £15
Mileage: 38/1,448
FA CUP STUTTERING START
The FA Cup journey began with the choke needed to get the old girl going and once she was running, it appeared that she had been filled with dodgy petrol, but with a little help from our east Kent friends, we limped over the line and into Monday’s Third Qualifying Round draw.
The tie always had an element of jeopardy, especially given the Angels lamentable history in the grand old competition.
Nothing is taken for granted in the Cup. We can dream of the million pound payday at Old Trafford but every last supporter is acutely aware that there is a Binfield around the corner.
Nobody of a Tonbridge persuasion takes the competition’s prize money for granted; we all do the maths and add in the losers money for the next round. It’s not a fatalistic attitude, it is one that has become ingrained by years of disappointment.
The First Round Proper is the holy grail that has been achieved seven times in the past, not a great percentage for 77 years of trying.
Ramsgate came to the Yeomans Community Stadium with the recent (2022) experience of making it to Round Two where they travelled to AFC Wimbledon accompanied by 1,500 of their fans. Sadly, it ended in a heavy 5-0 defeat.
On a mild, but breezy, afternoon a moving tribute was made to the legend Steve Churcher. Former chairman and life president, Steve was a heartbeat within the club and his famous jacket and hat were laid in the centre circle whilst a minute's applause was observed.
The Angels made their way into the hat into the draw overcoming their county neighbours, who remained competitive throughout the game despite playing the entire second half a man light after Raphe Brown was sent off following a second yellow that brought the home side a penalty.
Ramsgate took the lead after 21 minutes from the penalty spot after making much the brighter start to the game. Billy Munday was brought down and Alfie Paxman made no mistake sending the Angels goalkeeper, Nathan Harness the wrong way.
The home side equalised after 33 minutes when a surging run and cross from Frankie Baker was rewarded with a close range finish at the far post from Jepthe Tanga.
Tonbridge had the opportunity to go into the break in front when they were awarded a penalty after Baker had been felled by Brown, who received a second yellow and the resultant red card. Bailey Akehurst’s spot kick came back from the underside of the bar and the follow-up ended with a shot that cleared the bar.
An audacious lob from 40 yards from Sam Corne that saw ex-Angels goalkeeper, Jonny Henly touch the ball onto the crossbar brought the first half to an end.
The second half was one of resilience on behalf of the Isthmian League Premier side who battled their way into the final 10 minutes with a dogged display. But, with six minutes remaining, Tanga danced along the byline before pulling the ball back for substitute Bunmi Babajide to fire home.
As a result of this late posting, we now know that Torquay United will make their way to the Yeomans on 3rd October, for their third visit in eight home games for the Angels. We could have wished for an easier tie, but games between the two clubs have been tight in recent times and the home advantage might count for something, although both of the past encounters have resulted in 2-1 wins for the visitors.
On the financial side, it should bring a good attendance and, dare we contemplate that their interests for the season might lie elsewhere.
Pictures: Dave Couldridge
Wednesday, 16 September 2026
Tonbridge Angels U18 3 Erith and Belvedere U18 2
Match 24/26/2451 - Monday, 15th September 2026 - FA Youth Cup 1QR
Tonbridge Angels U18 (1) 3 Elms 16 Redwood-Sawyerr 52 Denton 76
Erith and Belvedere U18 (2) 2 Lassey 10,19
Attendance: 160
Admission: £5
Mileage: 38/1,410
FA YOUTH CUP JOURNEY BEGINS
Tonbridge Angels progressed to the FA Youth Cup Second Qualifying Round with a thrilling comeback victory against a competitive Erith and Belvedere side.
Much like the FA Cup for their senior counterparts, the First Round is the holy grail for non-league clubs that enter through the qualifying rounds or even a preliminary round.
Although the competition dates back to 1952, Tonbridge Angels didn’t enter the competition until 1960 after Harry Haslam had formed the JACs that produced players such as Malcolm McDonald and Tony Burns, but with money tight (as usual) and with Haslam moving on to Luton Town, the JACS were folded.
In 1990, under the guidance of Phil Emblem, the youth programme was revived and in 1999, coached by present-day director Geoff Curtis and Mike Bender, Tonbridge Angels reached the First Round of the FA Youth Cup for the first time where they were drawn to play Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park. They returned to Longmead Stadium with a very creditable 2-2 draw after being 2-0 in front, but were unfortunately beaten 3-0 in the replay.
A year later the main draw was once again reached with the Angels again given an away draw this time against Football League opposition in the shape of Bristol Rovers. For over an hour, Tonbridge did more than hold their own, but once they conceded on 68 minutes, the full time fitness of the league club took over and they eventually prevailed by 4-0.
The Angels now had a rich vein of first round appearances and 2001 saw them visit Yeovil Town, who were managed by Gary Johnson and had his son Lee in their side at Huish Park, but once more the second round eluded them, after leading 1-0 at half-time, they lost 2-1.
In 2004, the first round was reached with a visit to Leyton Orient where a Tom Reeves penalty at Orient was the only reward in a 3-1 defeat.
The Youth programme at the club took a backward step and it was not until 2025, 21 years later, that the club secured a place in the first round. On the face of it, a draw at Merstham appeared an opportunity to progress to the second round but, it was not what it appeared. Merstham were just the badge holders for the Volenti Academy, part of the Crystal Palace development programme who had progressed to a tie at Stamford Bridge and the fourth round the season previous. Dom Welsh’s team had little luck, striking the woodwork twice and having a goal disallowed in a 6-1 defeat.
In the intervening years there have been some classic qualifying games including in 2016 an epic 5-5 draw with Maidstone United, with the visitors going through on penalties and in 2021 a visit to Aldershot Town that brought a performance that was to be proud of, but a 2-0 defeat.
Erith and Belvedere’s U18’s compete in the Kent Youth League, not necessarily a level below, but were far from overawed by the occasion and went ahead after 10 minutes when Joseph Lassey cut in from the left to fire a shot into the top corner past a despairing Alfie McQuire.
Their lead was to last for six minutes when Xavier Elms nodded home from close range converting a cross stood up from Harry Ejje.
To complete a frantic opening 20 minutes, Erith restored their lead when Lassey repeated his run, this time burying his shot low into the corner.
The visitors will be regretting a golden opportunity after 22 minutes to double their advantage when following a determined run from Jayden Thomas, Lassey inexplicably cleared the bar from very close range.
The game was open, end to end, with the visiting goalkeeper, Riley Butt saving well to deny Ejje.
The second half was more structured and Tonbridge benefited from the change in application. After 52 minutes, Elms set up Anselm Redwood-Sawyerr to equalise and after dominating the second period the home side were awarded a penalty after substitute Alfie Murray was brought down.
Harry Bingham took the responsibility for the spot kick and saw his shot parried out by Butt, but Jack Denton reacted quickest to the rebound to score.
The first round remains a journey away but the first steps have been taken.
Tonbridge Angels U18 (1) 3 Elms 16 Redwood-Sawyerr 52 Denton 76
Erith and Belvedere U18 (2) 2 Lassey 10,19
Attendance: 160
Admission: £5
Mileage: 38/1,410
FA YOUTH CUP JOURNEY BEGINS
Tonbridge Angels progressed to the FA Youth Cup Second Qualifying Round with a thrilling comeback victory against a competitive Erith and Belvedere side.
Much like the FA Cup for their senior counterparts, the First Round is the holy grail for non-league clubs that enter through the qualifying rounds or even a preliminary round.
Although the competition dates back to 1952, Tonbridge Angels didn’t enter the competition until 1960 after Harry Haslam had formed the JACs that produced players such as Malcolm McDonald and Tony Burns, but with money tight (as usual) and with Haslam moving on to Luton Town, the JACS were folded.
In 1990, under the guidance of Phil Emblem, the youth programme was revived and in 1999, coached by present-day director Geoff Curtis and Mike Bender, Tonbridge Angels reached the First Round of the FA Youth Cup for the first time where they were drawn to play Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park. They returned to Longmead Stadium with a very creditable 2-2 draw after being 2-0 in front, but were unfortunately beaten 3-0 in the replay.
A year later the main draw was once again reached with the Angels again given an away draw this time against Football League opposition in the shape of Bristol Rovers. For over an hour, Tonbridge did more than hold their own, but once they conceded on 68 minutes, the full time fitness of the league club took over and they eventually prevailed by 4-0.
The Angels now had a rich vein of first round appearances and 2001 saw them visit Yeovil Town, who were managed by Gary Johnson and had his son Lee in their side at Huish Park, but once more the second round eluded them, after leading 1-0 at half-time, they lost 2-1.
In 2004, the first round was reached with a visit to Leyton Orient where a Tom Reeves penalty at Orient was the only reward in a 3-1 defeat.
The Youth programme at the club took a backward step and it was not until 2025, 21 years later, that the club secured a place in the first round. On the face of it, a draw at Merstham appeared an opportunity to progress to the second round but, it was not what it appeared. Merstham were just the badge holders for the Volenti Academy, part of the Crystal Palace development programme who had progressed to a tie at Stamford Bridge and the fourth round the season previous. Dom Welsh’s team had little luck, striking the woodwork twice and having a goal disallowed in a 6-1 defeat.
In the intervening years there have been some classic qualifying games including in 2016 an epic 5-5 draw with Maidstone United, with the visitors going through on penalties and in 2021 a visit to Aldershot Town that brought a performance that was to be proud of, but a 2-0 defeat.
Erith and Belvedere’s U18’s compete in the Kent Youth League, not necessarily a level below, but were far from overawed by the occasion and went ahead after 10 minutes when Joseph Lassey cut in from the left to fire a shot into the top corner past a despairing Alfie McQuire.
Their lead was to last for six minutes when Xavier Elms nodded home from close range converting a cross stood up from Harry Ejje.
To complete a frantic opening 20 minutes, Erith restored their lead when Lassey repeated his run, this time burying his shot low into the corner.
The visitors will be regretting a golden opportunity after 22 minutes to double their advantage when following a determined run from Jayden Thomas, Lassey inexplicably cleared the bar from very close range.
The game was open, end to end, with the visiting goalkeeper, Riley Butt saving well to deny Ejje.
The second half was more structured and Tonbridge benefited from the change in application. After 52 minutes, Elms set up Anselm Redwood-Sawyerr to equalise and after dominating the second period the home side were awarded a penalty after substitute Alfie Murray was brought down.
Harry Bingham took the responsibility for the spot kick and saw his shot parried out by Butt, but Jack Denton reacted quickest to the rebound to score.
The first round remains a journey away but the first steps have been taken.
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