Kingstonian (0) 0
Tonbridge (0) 3 Allen 46, Parter 60, Elder 90+2
Attendance: 401
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 112/6,487
Match Report
Most football stadiums lost these days are due to residential building, so it seems strange that Kingsmeadow will continue as a football ground but the hosts will become Chelsea's ladies and youth teams. Such is the power and wealth of the Premier League, but I guess, that those teams are going to attract at least as many as the 401 in attendance today.
This was the fourth time this season that Kingstonian and Tonbridge have met and each game has been a tight encounter with the Surrey side coming out on top twice and the other game drawn. The first half of this match was similarly a cagey affair with very few clear cut chances.
Tonbridge were forced into an early substitution when Alex Akrofi was replaced by Nick Wheeler. The erstwhile winger slotted himself into the diamond formation that has been adopted in his absence and impressed. From his corner, Luke Blewden directed a header at K's goalkeeper Rob Tolfrey and Tom Phipp had an effort deflected wide following Wheeler's cross.
After 36 minutes a through ball from Jack Parter almost sent Blewden clear but he was denied by a superb saving tackle from Alan Inns.
A Kingstonian free kick from a dangerous position on the edge of the box by Lewis Taylor was floated harmlessly into the grateful hands of Anthony Di Bernardo summing up the first half effectiveness of both attacks.
An early second half goal was required to open out the game and, thankfully, it went to Tonbridge within the first minute. Tom Phipp crossed from the left towards Nathan Elder; from the resultant challenge the ball broke to the edge of the penalty area to Luke Allen who placed his shot into the bottom corner.
Wheeler brought a fine save, diving to his left, from Tolfrey shooting from 20 yards.
Tonbridge by the hour mark were well on top and doubled their advantage from their newly-found goal machine, Parter. The full back started the move with a suspicion of a foul but ran on as the ball broke to Phipp who played the ball through to Parter who galloped into the space in front of him and let go a shot that took a deflection on its way to the net. This was Parter's third goal in five matches, all similar in execution.
The goal knocked the heart out of the hosts, who are in a poor run of form, and Tonbridge should have increased the lead long before their 92nd minute third from Elder. When it finally came it was our old favourite one-two, Wheeler corner, Elder header, bosh.
A couple of good results elswewhere, Needham Market and Leiston both losing on their travels added to the satisfaction of the afternoon. Play-off position is being cemented, looking upwards continues apace.
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