Tonbridge Angels 3 Kingstonian 1

Match 102/17/1552 - Saturday, 17th March 2018 - Bostik Premier

Tonbridge Angels (1) 3 Akrofi 9 Francis (o.g.) 52 Turner 72
Kingstonian (1) 1 Hunte 4
Attendance: 308

Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2.50
Mileage: 38/7,043

The Mini Beast from the East brought an icy blast and a little more than a dusting of snow but still wreaked havoc with football fixtures in the south-east. Gillingham’s home game against Blackburn Rovers with the much-anticipated return to Priestfield of Bradley Dack fell victim to Health and Safety. Had Gillingham been playing, with no offence to, Rochdale the game would probably have gone ahead as the covers had done their job on the pitch and the 100 or so visiting supporters could have been moved to the Gordon Road Stand but with Blackburn bringing a much larger following that would not have been possible and so the Brian Moore Stand was deemed unsafe for them to occupy. The temporary structure (15 years is temporary!) has long been an embarrassment with Gillingham often voted least desirable away ground because of its open-to-the-elements nature and was the butt of much disgruntlement as Rovers supporters were already in the town when the postponement was declared.

The dusting was even lighter in Tonbridge and their match against Kingstonian was able to go ahead albeit that it was another toe-numbing encounter to go with several others this winter. Perhaps it is an age thing, but this winter has felt pretty severe, especially on the feet.

The Tonbridge team sheet read like a side that had to be cobbled together. Luke Blewden and Tommy Whitnell returning from long-term injury that would almost certainly mean that they had no more than an hour in their legs with very little experience on the bench to replaced them. In that respect, Stephen Ibizugsbe was a mystery man. I don’t think he has come from the Reserves as the Full-Time website doesn’t show any appearances. A quick Google says he was a Brentford youngster and played for Horsham.

Kingstonian got off to the best possible starts with a goal after four minutes through Connor Hunte adding to the fears for the Angels’ makeshift team.

But those fears disappeared five minutes later when Alex Akrofi capitalised on dithering between goalkeeper and defender to pounce on a long ball forward and shoot into an unguarded net.

George Beavan picked up a rather harsh yellow card that would prove significant later and after 35 minutes had a defender’s shot on goal that sailed over.

Kingstonian had the momentum going into the break and Jonny Henly produced good saves to deny Greg Cundle twice and ex-Angel Tom Beere. Cundle, on loan from Gillingham, put in a very decent shift.

Tonbridge went ahead seven minutes into the second half when a long cross into the box from Liam Smith was turned into his own net by Sean Francis.

Blewden and Whitnell had served their hour when Turner was sent clear by Akrofi to convert after 72 minutes, the time on my Golden Goal ticket that was worth £25! All of a sudden I wanted no more goals!

A fantastic defensive effort from Kingstonian denied Turner and Akrofi to preserve my hold on the money and Henly did his bit saving from Cundle and Jason Williams.

Two minutes remained when Beavan dragged back Cundle and saw red for his trouble. On the day with little time remaining it did not prove costly but his suspension will be another absence with so few bodies from which Steve McKimm can choose.

Three points and a nice little cash prize from a game I wasn’t meant to be at, all thanks to the Beast from the East's little brother.

Picture courtesy of www.klmphoto.co.uk