Grays Athletic 1 Tonbridge 1

Match 69/15/1274 - Wednesday, 17th February 2016 - Ryman Premier

Grays Athletic (0) 1 Hutchings 61
Tonbridge (0) 1 Parkinson 56
Attendance: 221

Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 70/5,206

Match Report

It says everything about the progress made by Steve McKimm's Tonbridge side that a year ago we were walking away from Aveley's Mill Field, angry at a woeful performance and a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Grays Athletic, but tonight we walked away, once again disappointed, but this time that an opportunity of all three points had been left begging.

It was a cold, wet and miserable evening at Mill Field, on what, barring an unlikely visit in the play-offs, will be Tonbridge's last ever visit as Aveley will move to a new stadium nearby next season. Where Grays Athletic are going to play next season is unknown, although their own plans to move back to Grays appears to be gathering pace with Thurrock Council.

The pitch that on first inspection looked fine, became a glue-pot as the evening wore on and was hardly conducive to the passing game that Steve McKimm prefers.

Grays are certainly not the side of last season, but despite a couple of notable departures, they can still field Dumebi Dumaka, who has trialled at Ipswich Town, Fleetwood Town and Cambridge United this season and has 23 goals to his credit, alongside Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson and Joao Carlos in a potent attack.

Between the sticks for the home side was Tom Hadler, a previous loanee from Gillingham for the Angels who was also custodian for VCD when Tonbridge visited on Boxing Day. The young keeper was quickly into the action saving at the feet of Luke Blewden who had been sent clear of the home defence.

Chances were very much at a premium in the opening half. A nice move from the home side saw Fortnam-Tomlinson bring a save out of Anthony Di Barnardo whilst there were opportunities for both of the Tonbridge central defenders from corners.

The visitors stepped up a gear in the second period and largely dominated the half. An Anthony Riviere shot was saved by Hadler and there were two efforts from Sonny Miles that cleared the bar.

James Folkes, on as a second half substitute for Jack Parter, and at the scene of a personal nightmare 45 minutes last season, laid on a perfect cross for Nathan Elder, whose soft header allowed a comfortable save.

After 56 minutes Tonbridge deservedly took the lead. A long throw from Blewden was headed on by Elder to be met with a tumbling header from Tommy Parkinson that was fumbled over the line by Hadler.

The lead only lasted five minutes. A brilliant piece of work from Dumaka down the right hand side ended with his cross being only partially cleared to the edge of the box where Jake Hutchings had time to pick his spot into the bottom corner.

Tonbridge searched hard for a winner but it wasn't to be their night. Elder had a series of chances, a golden one in front of goal in the final five minutes that skewed wide of the post when it seemed easier to score.

Was it a point earned, or two points lost? Personally, against a bogey side, it was a point I would have taken prior to kick-off, but ultimately most agree it was the latter.

Apologies for the terrible picture, must emphasise not one by Dave Couldridge!

This is how you take a picture! Courtesy of Dave Couldridge