Tonbridge 3 Ashford Town (Middx) 2

Match 53/08/737 - Saturday, 20th March 2009 - Ryan Premier

Tonbridge (0) 3 Rook 88, Ferguson 90, Logan 90
Ashford Town (Middx) (0) 2 Harris 58, Harrison 67
Att. 429

Entrance: £10
Programme: £2
Mileage: 26/7,045

Match Report

Sadly, a consequence of Gillingham’s (relatively) successful season has been that I’ve not seen nearly enough of Tonbridge and their promotion push. Sods law is that I take time out from travelling with the Gills only to watch a fixture against one of teams I’ve already seen this season. But the reward was an amazing finish that would have graced the game any level.

This match served to highlight that virtually nothing is predictable or can be taken for granted in the game of football. Back in November on a very wet day, Tonbridge visited Ashford (Middlesex), who at the start of play sat a place higher; therefore nobody could have foreseen the 7-1 margin of victory for the Angels.

Likewise, today, Tonbridge so dominated the first half of this match they could easily have equalled their huge November score by the end of the 45, but somehow conspired to go back to the dressing rooms with a goalless scoreline. Chance after chance went begging as the visitors were taken apart almost at will. New signing Paul Booth is through on goal in the 10th minute but pulls his shot wide and a minute later Tim Olorunda’s header comes back off the crossbar. As the chances mount, Ashford keeper Craig Ross, only 18 years old, is taking on the role of hero.

News from Grimsby is depressing as Gillingham are losing at half time. Tonbridge start the second half in the same vein as the first, but astonishingly it is Ashford that take the lead, sloppy defending allowing Warren Harris to fire home. Just as my phone is buzzing to inform me that Gillingham are now two down, Tonbridge unbelievably also go two in arrears. Tim Olorunda is adjudged to have pulled Byron Harrison down, when through on goal and is sent off. The resultant penalty is well struck by Harrison, leaving all around bemused by scoreline.

Despite their man disadvantage, the Angels continued to take the game to their visitors and Tommy Tyne, Lee Minshull and Booth all have chances to reduce the deficit. Just a couple of minutes remained on the clock when Carl Rook looped a header over the keeper, too little, surely too late.

The fourth official threw Tonbridge the lifeline they needed when five extra minutes are shown. Two of those minutes had elapsed when Steve Ferguson met a Minshull flick-on to rifle into the top of the net. Cue delirious celebration, the Angels had got out of jail. Tommy Warrilow’s side were not prepared to accept a draw though and following a last ditch long throw from Ferguson, a clearance fell to substitute Fraser Logan who volleyed into the top corner to complete a memorable recovery.

A play-off spot is virtually certain for Tonbridge and credit must go the boardroom duo of Nick Sullivan and Garry Pass who have found money in difficult times to strengthen the squad with players of high repute in the non-league circle of the south east. Steve Ferguson has been brought in from Billericay, a player who always caught the eye when with AFC Wimbledon and Paul Booth, a proven goalscorer comes in from Havant and Waterlooville.