Tunbridge Wells U21 1 Whitstable Town U21 1

Match 15/16/1323 - Monday, 15th August 2016 - Suburban Southern League

Tunbridge Wells (0) 1
Whitstable Town (0) 1
Headcount: 40

Entrance: £3
Programme: None
Mileage: 38/1,631

There have been a few dawns of new eras at Culverden in recent times so the first fixture for Tunbridge Wells' newly formed Under-21 side was in comparison low key. The Suburban Southern League is not a Under-21 age group league and the club will be concentrating on players under 21 but can use the fixtures to give squad members or players returning from injury game time. The team is to be managed by Lee Mackelden who was instrumental in bringing Tom Mackelden, Ryan Crandley and Stephen Ikpeme to the club.

Naturally enough, there wasn't a huge crowd in attendance for the visit of Whitstable Town's B side, I'm guessing we will see several variations in the naming of sides in the league.

A white board with the teams on would have been a great help as many of us are struggling recognising some of the first team let alone the reserves. Kit manager, Stuart Lucas was able to furnish us with the majority of the names with a couple stumping even him. First teamers making an appearance were Jake Hampson, Stephen Ikpeme, Tom Lawrence and Rhys Bartlett.

Tunbridge Wells exerted the early pressure but the best chance of the first half fell to Whitstable when John Fregerne firstly attempted to round goalkeeper Ryan Chandler, but as the custodian touched the ball away forcing the man wide, Fregerne's shot hit a post.

By half-time, although the game remained goal-less, Whitstable had created the best of the chances.

Bartlett shot across the face of goal early in the second period before the home side took the lead on the hour. A cross from the right being swept home by second half substitute, Dale Ashman.

Whitstable got the equaliser they deserved with eight minutes remaining when Fregerne scampered away down the right and crossed for Smith to score from close range.

A late free kick from Alex Carey brought an excellent save from the visiting goalkeeper to preserve the parity of the scoreline.

In the new period where budgets are necessarily being reduced, this is the level from where the next generation of Tunbridge Wells first team players will need to come.