Tonbridge 2 Hendon 1

Match 31/09/783 - Tuesday, 17th November 2009 - Ryman Premier

Tonbridge (1) 2 Minshull 40, Booth 65
Hendon (0) 1 Dunn 46
Att. 371

Entrance: £10
Programme: £2
Mileage: 26/3,787

It’s a long way back to 1996, but if you can remember the freak goal that was scored by Stan Collymore against Blackburn Rovers with Tim Flowers the unlucky goalkeeper, then you have the picture of Hendon’s equaliser after two minutes of the second half last night.

Billy Dunn from just outside the box struck a speculative, in truth half-hit shot, that Lee Worgan had covered. As he knelt to collect the ball, it hit a divot and flew up and over his right shoulder to the stunned silence of the home support. Dunn and his strike partner, Peter Dean had first half moments when their luck was not as good, but this was good fortunate of the highest order.

The first half had been a highly entertaining affair with some skilful play from both sides. Hendon started much the better side and Worgan had to be at his very best to keep out an effort from Dean with a close range save.

After Hendon’s early pressure Tonbridge took up the initiative with Jamie Cade excelling in midfield. A good interchange of passes with Paul Booth saw Cade through on goal but was blocked by a last ditch tackle.

A goal line clearance from a corner was the prelude to Tonbridge taking the lead five minutes before half time. Cade released Lee Minshull, who engaged in an exchange of passes with Booth before scoring from 12 yards.

Following the freak equaliser the second half took on an end to end pattern with half chances falling to both sides. Tonbridge regained the lead after 65 minutes with a goal from Paul Booth, who was sent through by Cade. Booth kept his composure under pressure to fire home from the edge of the area.

The home side had to endure some late pressure from their visitors but held out reasonably comfortably for a fifth successive victory that lifted them to fourth in the table.

Refereeing at this level can sometimes leave a bit to be desired so special mention should go to Mr Paul Harris of Maidstone who endeavoured to let the game flow and showed restraint of issuing yellow cards too early in the contest.