Tonbridge 5 Gillingham 2

Match 03/11/890 - Thursday, 21 July 2011 - Pre-Season Friendly

Tonbridge (2) 5 Collin 22,79 (pen) Kinch 40, Main 87, Parter (o.g.) 90
Gillingham (2) 2 Rance 19, Davies 32
Att. 448

Entrance: Senior Citizen £5
Programme: £0.50
Mileage: 26/108

Match Report

In the 35 years that I’ve supported both clubs there has never been a pre-season friendly between them, but there have been two Kent Senior Cup ties (one win apiece) in that period, the last in 1997.

So this was a game keenly anticipated by myself, and much to the Binman’s chagrin, I was supporting Tonbridge on the night, longevity of support the governing factor.

For the home side there was the opportunity to put their calamitous start to pre-season behind them, but for Gillingham, who brought a side made up of youngsters and triallists, nothing more than those players making an impression on the manager.

The end result was a confidence-building win for Tonbridge with nobody emerging with honours from the visiting ranks.

Daren Hawkes, in the Gillingham goal, effectively their number two keeper until such times as a more experienced signing is made, had a particularly difficult night. He found himself in no-man’s land early on and was saved by a poor finish and after Gillingham had taken the lead through a splendid Dean Rance finish from 25 yards, he chased from his goal line to the edge of the box, only to be beaten to the ball by ex-Gill Frannie Collin, who coolly lobbed the errant keeper.

Barry Fuller, the one first-teamer on display searching for match fitness, struck a 32nd minute free kick that rebounded from the underside of the bar allowing Callum Davies to head home from a yard to give Gillingham a 2-1 lead before a well constructed move ended with Scott Kinch heading in from close range to level the proceedings at half time.

The second half was also an even contest until Tonbridge benefited from an uncharitable refereeing decision with ten minutes remaining. Hawkes made another hash of collecting a cross and when Alwyne Jones’ shot was handled on the line by Davies, the young defender was shown the red card as the official exercised the letter of the law. It was a friendly, for Christ’s sake!

Collin smashed home the penalty and Tonbridge then ran riot for the final ten minutes. Jon Main delighted the 442 attendance with his first goal on his return to the club, a glancing header and Gills misery was complete when Jack Parter deflected the ball past the hapless Hawkes for a fifth.

There have not been many times I’ve gone home happy at a Gillingham defeat, but it was morale boosting for Tommy Warrilow’s side to bounce back after their Brentford trauma.