Maidstone United (0) 2 T. Olorunda 46, Waugh 85
Tonbridge (2) 3 Gayle 22, Lovell 40, Muggeridge 65
Att. 1,102
Entrance: £5 Senior
Programme: £0.50
Mileage: 18/2,059
Match Report
The group of Tonbridge supporters amongst which I watched the game agreed that if this fixture had been played at Longmead, a little over the 300 mark was the best that could have been hoped for.
And it seems that visitors are coming away with a little more "like" than Maidstone United have previously engendered. I’ve steered clear of “love” and “hate” as words too emotive and, for all that is good about an evening at the Gallagher, I was not prepared to put aside 50 years of dislike to embark on any love-in. My good friend, and legendary Gillingham supporter, The Binman might have written in a recent programme that it was becoming “less and less easy to loathe them” after a cheery welcome and a good atmosphere generated by enthusiastic fans, but I wasn’t prepared to be swayed so easily. But, for the reasons he stated, it was hard to loathe them. A couple of very likeable supporters stood alongside our group explained the club's future development plans, what it had been like in exile at Sittingbourne and Ashford and the level-headedness of the new owners. Even, my attempt to burst the bubble with the opinion that Maidstone must not repeat previous mistakes of chasing the dream without the proper foundation was met with total agreement.
The fact is, with the huge attendances that are descending on James Whatman Way, they have every opportunity to emulate the progress that has been made by Dartford since their return to their home town with the building of Princes Park.
All this, despite the fact it was one of the lesser competitions and, as the higher league opposition, Tonbridge were expected to win, it was still with a certain smugness that I left the stadium after the game, having put one over them.
In truth, Tonbridge showed their superior quality and could, and should, have won a lot more comfortably than they eventually did. Both sides were under-strength, but it was apparent that the Conference South club's depth was significantly stronger. They cruised into a two-goal half-time lead through a 20 yard shot from Aaron Gayle and a free header from close range converted by Mark Lovell and the lead should have been significantly greater such was their dominance.
The first minute of the second half changed the complexion of the game, when ex-Angel Tim Olorunda crashed home a shot from six yards following a corner to buoy the home crowd and Tonbridge had to withstand a period of pressure before a 35 yard scorcher from Henry Muggeridge restored the two goal advantage. The swagger returned to the Angels and further chances to put the game to bed came and went before, with five minutes remaining, Alex Waugh struck, with the ball coming down off the underside of the bar and deemed to have crossed the line. This gave the home side renewed momentum, but this was lost when a very poor challenge from Ade Olorunda on Sonny Miles earned a straight red card. Maidstone still mounted a challenge in the time added on and it was not without great relief that the final whistle blew to allow me my smug walk back to the car.
Such is their fan base, I’ve no doubt that Maidstone can pass Tonbridge on their way back to the higher reaches, possibly even to the Football League. But, even if I’ve learnt not to loathe them, could I love them, absolutely not a snowball in hell’s chance.
No comments:
Post a Comment