Tonbridge Reserves 2 Redhill Reserves 2

Match 91/16/1398 - Wednesday, 15th February 2017 - Suburban Plate

Tonbridge Reserves (1) 2 Thomas (pen) 20,51
Redhill Reserves (0) 2 McArdle 67,80 (pens)
Redhill won 5-3 on penalties
Headcount: 14

Entrance: Free
Programme: Free teamsheet
Mileage: 38/6,337

The Angels’ Reserve team surrendered a two goal lead to end their interest in the Suburban Plate following a penalty shoot-out after the game finished at 90 minutes 2-2.

Tonbridge started the game well and had a goal chalked off for offside after just three minutes. Jerome Thomas brought a save out of Redhill’s goalkeeper, Ashley Davey. The visitors themselves had the ball in the net after 10 minutes only to be denied by a linesman’s flag.

Tonbridge deserved their 20th minute lead when Ashraf Kizito was brought down to earn a penalty which was confidently despatched low to the left of the Redhill goalkeeper by Jerome Thomas.

Kizito outpaced the Redhill defence in the opening minute of the second half but dragged his shot wide.

It was a short reprieve for Redhill as Tonbridge increased their lead in the 51st minute. Good work down the left from Steve Bouachi was followed with a pass inside to Thomas who skipped inside a challenge, making room to score from 10 yards.

Tonbridge sadly took their foot off the pedal and allowed their visitors back into the game, spurred on by an animated bench. The deficit was reduced to one when a Redhill player was brought down on the left-hand bye-line, the subsequent penalty being converted by Fachara McArdle.

In a game that unfortunately screamed mediocrity Lewis Mitchell produced a phenomenal save from point blank range to deny Redhill’s Louis Chin.

With ten minutes remaining, Redhill were awarded a second penalty when Callum Taylor misjudged a tackle on the edge of the box. This time McArdle struck his shot straight down the middle to level the tie and send his management team into rapture.

The game was seen out without further scoring and the dreaded penalty shoot-out was needed to decide the tie. Thomas blazed Tonbridge’s opening shot over the bar, whilst Redhill struck five perfect penalties giving Mitchell little chance.