Maidstone United (2) 2 Hoyte 3 Allen 27
Tonbridge Angels (1) 2 Williams 18 Donovan 77
Attendance: 2,520
Admission: Pass
Programme: £2
Mileage: 19/4,633
The only blemish on a New Year’s Day that is will be fondly remembered was a smoke bomb that came from the Tonbridge contingent after the first equaliser which was no reflection on the magnificent support the 300 or so supporters gave their team throughout the 90 minutes.
Steve McKimm fielded his new signing from Dover, Roberto Ratti, who impressed with his tireless running.
Tonbridge had the first sighting of goal after a couple of minutes but Maidstone were in front just a minute later when a ball to the left flank saw Ibby Akanbi cross low and hard to the far post where Gavin Hoyte was on hand for little more than a tap-in.
Far from being the first realisation of worst fears, the Angels picked up the gauntlet and continued to take the game to their hosts. A corner from Ben Greenhalgh, one of 17 for the Angels, was met with a fine header from Sonny Miles pushed you safety by Stones goalkeeper Chris Lewington.
But, a minute later on the 17th, Tonbridge were level when Greenhalgh’s cross was only partially cleared to Jason Williams, who drove the ball into the bottom corner for his first goal for the club.
Maidstone regained the lead after 27 minutes when Jonny Edwards was sent clear but a wonderful saving tackle from Rhian Bray was only rewarded with the ball looping up and into the path of Allen who finished from around eight yards.
Tonbridge continued to dominate the possession and Greenhalgh, twice, and Harry Donovan both had decent efforts before the break.
If the Angels had been dominant in the first period the second half was going to become a procession as the traffic became as one way as the county town’s road system.
From the outset, George Elokobi cleared a Bray header from the line and the resultant corner saw a golden chance for Ratti spurned.
Lewington was the only man standing between Tonbridge and an equaliser making saves from Alex Bentley, Williams and substitute Jared Small. Frustration that continued pressure had not brought reward was relieved on 77 minutes when Donovan picked up another loose clearance, stepped forward a couple of paces and drove a low shot between Lewington and his near post.
In the fairness of reporting, Maidstone did press the urgency button and had a couple of efforts that were nothing more than wasteful and barely threatened whilst a couple of late Greenhalgh free kicks caused all sorts of concern for the hosts.
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