East Grinstead Town U18 (0) 1
Tonbridge Angels U18 (1) 3 Larkin 22,46 Ballach 85
Attendance: 55
Admission: £2
Mileage: 60/1,011
Tonbridge Angels U18’s progressed from a tight Isthmian Youth League Cup First Round tie at East Grinstead Town with a 3-1 win that earns them a home draw against Lewes in the next round.
After taking a two goal lead, the Angels were pegged back with a goal from the home team and were under pressure until a stunning goal from River Ballach, five minutes from time eased the nerves.
On an evening when autumn certainly showed its hand and heavier coats were much in evidence, the Angels were always the better side but were met with a resilient East Grinstead side that also offered a threat through a hard working striker.
The home side had a first minute opportunity when Angels goalkeeper, Josh Hanson, ventured outside his area to a through ball that he didn’t quite clear with the rebound falling for a shot at an unguarded goal, but one that cleared the bar.
After the early scare, Tonbridge settled into the game and a fifth minute corner led to an effort from Adam Larkin that was deflected into the grateful hands of the goalkeeper.
The game remained very even until the 22nd minute when following initial work from Tolu Fabimafobee, Larkin drove a shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
The momentum swung Tonbridge’s way following the goal and chances quickly came for Harry Barton, who shot agonisingly wide and following a great bit of wing play from Barton, his cross was put over the bar from close range by Teddy Cooney.
Barton brought another very good save from the keeper on 39 minutes and with the final act of the half, a superb move involving Fabimafobee and Barton saw Callum Fincham’s finish come back from the underside of the crossbar as the Angels finished the half well on top.
The ascendancy was rewarded early into the second half when a quickly taken free kick from Fincham sent Barton clear to cross into the box from where Larkin powered home an unstoppable header.
Barton was once again denied by a good, low save before an East Grinstead goal was disallowed for a foul on Hanson but that gave the home side a lift and, just past the hour they halved the deficit when a cross from the ever-dangerous centre forward was touched home at the far post.
The game became end-to-end as East Grinstead desperately searched for an equaliser that seemed the most likely next goal until River Ballach stepped inside a challenge and curled his shot into the top corner from 25 yards.
A ridiculously long eight, that turned into eleven minutes, was safely managed by the Angels to earn their tie against Lewes which will be played at Longmead on Monday, 23rd September.
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