Weston-super-Mare (0) A
Tonbridge Angels (1) A Maloney 44
Match abandoned after 82 minutes, medical emergency in crowd
Est. Attendance: 1,200
Admission: Pass
Mileage: 386/6,534
Tonbridge Angels' game at Weston-super-Mare was brought to an unfortunate early conclusion as a medical emergency in the crowd led to its abandonment on 82 minutes. Thankfully reports from Weston indicate that the woman concerned was conscious and responsive in A&E and, to her and her family, we send our best wishes.
Football, of course, is of secondary importance at such times, but to report the game it was frustrating, especially for Taylor Maloney, that his wonder strike only becomes a top contender for the goal that never was.
On a bright, warm Spring day in Somerset, Scott Wagstaff was able to recall Ethan Sutcliffe following his suspension and Jack Wood to the starting line-up with, initially, Liam Vincent and Brody Peart dropping to the bench. But following the warm-up, Vincent was unable to take his place and Alexander Dubov, the substitute goalkeeper, was added.
Over the course of the 82 minutes, Wagstaff’s side produced a spirited, dogged performance that restricted the play-off chasing hosts to just a couple of chances of note despite their dominance of possession.
Weston-super-Mare should have gone in front after nine minutes when Luke Coulson’s free kick gave James Dodd a clear header, but one that cleared the bar.
The Angels had a big shout for a penalty a couple of minutes later when Nazir Bakrin was brought down in the penalty area but these were waved away by the referee.
The first half wore on with the home side seeing much of the ball but without testing Matt Rowley a single time. A Bakrin header brought a comfortable save from Max Harris before, with a minute remaining in the half, Sutcliffe’s long throw into the box was cleared to the edge of the box from where Maloney produced a piledriver of a shot into the roof of the net to give the Angels a lead at the break.
The second half took the same shape as the opening 45 minutes with Weston pressing hard for a equaliser but Tonbridge repelling their efforts with relative comfort.
Rowley’s major contribution to the game came on the hour when a shot from outside of the area from Will Dawes was turned away for a corner from which Dawes sent a header goalwards but Rowley was equal to it, clawing it away to safety.
Harry Ottaway was introduced on 61 minutes and immediately the Angels had more of a focal point up front which led to a shooting opportunity for Sean Shields that was just over.
A tackle from Maloney brought an unseemly fracas on the near touchline, but as that was being sorted out it became apparent that there was a more serious concern behind the dug outs on the other side with the medical teams from both clubs hurrying to attend.
The delay was to last around 20 minutes before the game was officially abandoned whilst an ambulance was awaited.
Weston-super-Mare Football Club later made this statement: “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who responded so swiftly and professionally – including both clubs’ medical teams, our security personnel, club staff, supporters, and the ambulance service.”
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