Tunbridge Wells U18 1 Tonbridge U18 3

Match 46/16/1354 - Sunday, 30th October 2016 - Kent Youth League

Tunbridge Wells (0) 1 O'Neil 64
Tonbridge Angels (2) 3 McCreadie 26,28,83
Headcount: 30

Entrance: Free
Programme: None
Mileage: 38/3,669

Tonbridge eased to victory in their Kent Youth Premier League local derby against Tunbridge Wells at a foggy Culverden Stadium despite a spirited second half performance from their hosts.

Jay Stubberfield fielded four of his Ryman League players whilst Tunbridge Wells included Reece Bartlett, who has first team experience and Sammy McLeod, who played for Maidstone in the recent FA Youth Cup game.

The manager, speaking after the game, felt his side had dominated the game and controlled possession. He added: “Our diamond midfield with Jack Bray on the left and Liam Smith on the right gave us the perfect balance. I was very happy with the display but we should have scored more. Good to see Liam McCreadie scoring a hat-trick. This gives me a lot to think about for the next few Ryman squads.”

Tonbridge started on the front foot and within the first seven minutes the Tunbridge Wells goalkeeper, who was actually an outfield player because they had no available keeper, made saves from Tydest Augustus, Bray and Alex Bishop but were shocked when the home side rattled the bar after nine minutes.

On 23 minutes, James Nurden needed to be substituted by McCreadie and within three minutes his name was on the score sheet, his shot from outside the box going underneath the makeshift goalkeeper.

Four minutes later the advantage was doubled when a cross from the left was met by McCreadie, whose shot carried too much power for the keeper, who got his hands to the ball but could not prevent it from going in.

Realising the goalkeeper’s limitations, Tonbridge piled on the pressure but it was their own keeper, Sam Wolvey who needed to make a good save to preserve the score line.

Tunbridge Wells gave as good as they got for a period early in the second half and after 64 minutes pulled a goal back when Dan O'Neil's shot from 20 yards found its way under the diving body of Wolvey.

Tonbridge turned up the heat on their hosts following the goal. Smith crashed a shot against the underside of the bar, Will Jupp headed over from a corner and McCreadie shot wide.

Wolvey atoned for his error with a good save before McCreadie completed his hat-trick with a low shot past the outstretched feet of the goalkeeper.