Tonbridge (1) 2 Williams 18, Pinnock 85
Dulwich Hamlet (1) 2 Ottaway 22, Vidal 72
Att. 758
Entrance: £6.00 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 38/6,344
Match Report
They produced a spirited performance against a team worthy of their position in the top five but the ultimate sharing of the points dropped the club from what could have been a relatively respectable 16th position to one of the 20th, the club just above the relegation line, and one that history will say in years to come were the side that just about escaped with bare statistics not telling the true story.
The final day when results were needed for Harrow Borough, Canvey Island, Lewes and VCD Athletic in their quest to avoid falling into the bottom four, they all won and in the process leapfrogged Tonbridge Angels, leaving Peacehaven in the bottom four but safe as there was the security of a reprieve on the table due to the demise of Salisbury and Hereford at the beginning of the season.
At the final whistle both teams were able to acknowledge their fans with a smile and for the South London side they were able to celebrate their play-off place with their supporters who had arrived in big numbers and gave their team noisy support throughout the game. They go on to an away game at Margate on Thursday; I can only wish them every success.
For Tonbridge, it was time to reflect and the Meeting with the Manager on Thursday evening also gave a helpful insight into their fortunes, or lack of it, during the past nine months.
The opening question brought was a strange one but brought laughter. Steve McKimm was told by a male member of the audience, “did he know that he had a nice smile”? McKimm replied that his wife tells him he has, but he hasn’t had that compliment from many men! Truth is, he has had very little to smile about this season and he quite rightly bemoaned his luck with injuries throughout the term. Over the course of the season, he has not been able to play what he would recognise his back four of choice since the opening game and against Dulwich Hamlet, the misfortune continued when Tommy Parkinson, named as runner-up in the Supporters Player of the Year Award prior to kick-off went down early in the second half. It is a massive credit to McKimm that his makeshift back four has managed to achieve the least goals conceded of any team up to Bognor Regis, who finished 14th and above them into the top half of the table before you find the next one.
The second half was played with Jack Parter slotting in alongside Charlie Slocombe, hardly the dominant, in terms of size, pairing needed to contain a lively strikeforce led by Harry Ottaway.
Steve McKimm, when asked about players that would continue to be at the club next season had revealed at the meeting that he would not be tearing up the team sheet at the end of the season, the nucleus of the team would be offered a place next year and the last thing he wanted would be to start with a blank sheet of paper as he had done back in July. One player that would not be returning, however, was to be Marvin Williams, who sadly will be retiring from the game at just 27 years of age, victim of an Achilles injury that would not have been helped by the likes of the hard, dusty pitch of today.
Marvellous Marvin said goodbye to fans, grateful for his contribution for the last six months, with a goal after 18 minutes. Mitchell Pinnock, for whom Tonbridge supporters will be crossing fingers and toes that he returns in August (however unlikely that may be), played a peach of a pass over the top to Williams, whose pace took him clear of the defence and a deft lob over the advancing Phil Wilson completed the act.
One of Tonbridge’s achilles heel this season has been the goalkeeping position, six have been used in total. It was a topic that was brought up and McKimm said that he had high regard for the present incumbent, Billy Bishop, who was available following his release from AFC Wimbledon. However, his authority within his own six yard box might have been brought into question when a cross from the right allowed Ottaway a simple far post header to level the scoring just four minutes after the opening goal.
Dulwich looked every inch the side of play-off credentials and had chances to go into the break in front, Ottaway rounding Bishop only the see his shot cleared from the line by Parkinson being the pick of the opportunities.
In his team selection, McKimm had opted to rest Tommy Whitnell, who was awarded the Supporters Player of the Year award, to the bench. After an hour, Marvin Williams took his final bow, to a rousing send-off from the Tonbridge faithful, to be replaced by Whitnell, who was completing a full set of appearances for the club this season.
Tonbridge had a great chance to restore their lead after 70 minutes when Nathan Elder was sent clear. However, the big striker’s lack of pace meant that he had to take his shot early and his effort cleared the bar. The big man’s presence has been invaluable towards the end of the season and when asked if he could be back, McKimm obviously would be pleased to have him but the player would be assessing his options. In the walk round after the game I shouted to Nathan, “see you next year?” and received a thumbs-up in return, I wonder?
Within a minute, Dulwich supporters were wildly happy as the visitors took the lead. Xavier Vidal cutting in front the right and firing a low shot past Bishop with Dulwich only needed a point to cement their play-off place.
Mitchell Pinnock has been the shining light of Tonbridge’s recovery from the lowest point at Grays, as McKimm described it, to the recovery and Ryman Premier safety and Tonbridge supporters would give their right arms to have permanently in their side. One forum member has even offered to pay his wages! With five minutes remaining, Tonbridge were awarded a free kick, 25 yards from goal. Pinnock curled an exquisite shot into the far corner beyond the grasp of Wilson. Fantastic goal, if we are not too see Pinnock next term, we can only say thank you for your time at the club this year.
A draw suited both sides and the final whistle brought a walk-round from both teams acknowledging the support that had been given.
Steve McKimm, looking forward, had revealed that although he made claim to a play-off spot this season, he knew that it was an unrealistic objective, but next season would consider it a failure if that was not to be achieved. McKimm came across as very likeable and someone that deserves much better fortune than he has enjoyed this season. Amen to that.
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