Tonbridge Angels (1) 1Akehurst 18 (pen) Babajide 53
Bath City (1) 1 Wilson 8
Attendance: 1,762
Admission: Season Ticket
Mileage: 38/4,139
HOME AND DRY!
The somewhat unexpected three points obtained at Weston-super-Mare on Tuesday, mathematics aside, assured safety in National League South for another season leaving supporters of Tonbridge Angels to enjoy the last six games and engage in the speculation of who might, and who might not, be around next season.
As a guest of the match sponsor, we were treated to the pre-match briefing from manager Alan Dunne who replying to the host’s question regarding the run-in said there would be no foot off the pedal; players were playing to keep their shirts and in so doing keep themselves in the front of the manager’s mind when it comes to dishing out the new contracts.
One such player is Bailey Akehurst. The Tonbridge wing back has had an in and out season, probably spending too much time on the bench for his own liking but in recent weeks has given the manager a hefty nudge, as if he needed it, to the quality that he can bring to the party.
Today, after slotting home a first half penalty to bring the Angels level, Akehurst produced the pass of the season, perfectly weighted so that Bunmi Babajide didn’t need to break stride before clinically finishing to extend the Angels recent run to seven wins in nine and a fourth consecutive home win whilst consolidating Bath City’s position in the bottom four.
I would be sad to see Bath relegated. It’s a good day out or a great weekend away and the fixture holds a special significance personally. At the risk of trotting out a story that has been published on this blog previously, back in 1959 this fixture is where my history with Tonbridge began.
My Dad, never an Angels supporter, took me to the old Angel Ground principally to watch Charlie Fleming, an ex-Sunderland striker who dropped into non-league football, surprisingly early at the age of 31, after scoring 62 goals in three years at Roker Park. Nicknamed Cannonball for his ferocious shot he became a legend at Twerton Park, making 300 appearances and scoring 216 goals.
He scored twice that day at the Angel as Bath took home the points, but for me the seeds had been sown with the home side.
Despite the very late, 3am evidently, return from Weston on Tuesday, Dunne went with an unchanged line-up on a day of bright sunshine and a huge crowd as the Angels made the game their second Community Day, in which local schools were offered free tickets.
Bath no longer have a Cannonball Fleming, but they do have a sharp striker in Scott Wilson, who gave the visitors an eighth minute lead, converting with a near post header after the West Country side had had much the better of the early exchanges.
Tonbridge were level on 18 minutes when a clumsy challenge saw Frankie Baker felled in the box allowing Akehurst to use his trusty left foot to good effect from the spot.
The first half became pretty much even steven with the visitors almost inexplicably failing to regain their lead on the half-hour when Josh Laqertabua brought a smart save from Matt Rowley and, as Akehurst got his feet in a tangle attempting the clearance, Jaiden Putman slammed his shot against the bar when it would have been easier to score.
In reply, Babajide saw his effort saved by Harvey Wiles-Richards after a good build up involving Ricky Korboa and Marcus Sablier.
Early in the second period, Wilson was denied by a superb block from Jordon Thompson before, on 53 minutes, Akehurst’s wonder pass set up Babajide’s ultimate winner.
The Angels dominated proceedings from that moment but just couldn’t find the goal that would have put the game to bed.
Wiles-Richards made good saves to deny substitutes Sean Shields, Tom Leahy and a goal for a third consecutive game by Ethan Sutcliffe.
Bath had very little left in the tank to threaten in the Angels in the closing minutes despite being given seven extra mminutes to find a goal.
So on the sidelines it is time to relax and enjoy, a pleasure that in all likelihood denied to players looking to the future.
Pictures: David Couldridge
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