Tunbridge Wells 3 Deal Town 2

Match 53/10/871 - Saturday, 27 February 2011 - Kent League

Tunbridge Wells (1) 3 Ashmore 45, Phillips 50, McMath 58
Deal Town (0) 2 O'Brien 80, Smith 83
Att. 129

Entrance: £6
Programme: £1.50
Mileage: 27/7,920

Match Report

I had taken much delight in informing people that in the absence of a visit to Shrewsbury due to work I was going to watch Tonbridge at Wembley before slipping in the fact that their opponents, Hendon, were ground sharing at the Combined Counties sides’ Vale Park ground. Sadly it wasn’t to happen, a lunchtime postponement due to a waterlogged was at least early enough to stop any wasted travelling time and divert my attention to finding an alternative game. Given the bog of a pitch that has dogged Culverden Stadium for many years, it was a surprise, and great credit to the groundsman, that Tunbridge Wells’ Kent League fixture against Deal Town was still on.

I’ve enjoyed my visits to the Wells for years. True, the football itself can be a little lacking in quality but more often than not a decent game ensues and there is never any shortage of top notch conversation. Saturday brought about a group of guys who I would guess had played the game to a reasonable standard with various local clubs and had a wealth of knowledge.

Whilst enjoying the chinwag, there was a game going on in front of us and Tunbridge Wells conspired to give the watching 129 (boosted by several diverted Tonbridge supporters) a nervous finish as they nearly blew a three goal lead to eventually win by the odd goal in five.

The pitch was still a bog, but it was the type of surface that has brought thrills and spills over the years. When the rain came again during the first half and got heavier, fingers were crossed that we would make it to the finish. The home splashed their way to a three goal lead that could have been double the amount with many good chances going begging before two goals in three minutes in the last ten minutes gave the visitors a sniff of a point that they very nearly exploited.

Some of the trappings that endeared Tunbridge Wells as a homely club have disappeared as they attempt to put the club on a business-like fashion. Gone are the 50p cups of tea in proper china cups, sadly replaced by polystyrene with a £1 asking price. But as I was told, 20 extra people through the gates earning the club just £120 is valuable income that makes a big difference, so the few Tonbridge supporters who enjoyed their afternoon with their neighbours have done the club a good service. Oh, how the Premiership must worry about their next 120 quid.

One novel service was the statistical introduction by the stadium announcer who gave extensive details regarding the history of Tunbridge Wells and Deal fixtures and the clubs. Wonderful stuff for every statto.

The groundsman was well rewarded for his efforts, not only did he get his game through to the finish, he saw his club win, and then proceeded to win both prizes on the bus stop cards. The knowledgeable nodded knowingly . . . FIX!