Tonbridge Angels U18 (1) 4 Bingham 30,55 (pens) Ejje 48 Byatt 90+4
Horsham U18 (1) 4 Harrington 36 Burrows 70 Theodore 74 Semark 83 (pen)
Headcount: 75
Admission: Season Ticket
Mileage: 38/678
WHAT A MATCH!
Make a note in the diary, 30th November might only be midway through the Isthmian Youth League East season, but I’m willing to bet my pocket money that Horsham v Tonbridge Angels will be the title decider.
No disrespect to any of the other teams in the division, but if I see a better U18’s side than Horsham, I’ll be amazed and it is great credit to Roy Massey’s Angels that they fought their way to a share of the points.
This was a great watch, full of twists and turns with a 94th minute equaliser to conclude the entertainment.
Horsham, who have moved from the Southern Division where, last season, they surprisingly trailed some way behind a very good Burgess Hill team, picked up the momentum after an opening 20 minutes when neither side wanted to lay a glove on the other and, in quick succession, Semark was narrowly off target with shots that cleared the bar.
Against the run of play, Tonbridge went in front from the penalty spot when Jayden Taylor was brought down following a clumsy challenge leaving Harry Bingham to convert from the spot.
Horsham responded with an effort from Harrington, but he was not to be denied on 39 minutes when persistence from Theodore saw him pull the ball back from the byeline for the former to strike from close range.
Tonbridge’s goalkeeper, Tyler Pett, picked up a yellow as he raced from his goal to thwart a Horsham attack and, from the resultant free kick, made a good save.
Massey’s half-time team talk had the desired effect and Tonbridge roared out of the blocks in the second period and were back in front after three minutes when the impressive Harry Ejje collected a pass from the right to fire into the bottom corner. Ejje is certainly one to watch in the coming weeks.
Tonbridge increased their lead after 55 minutes when they were awarded a second penalty after Ejje was brought down and, once more, Bingham stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way.
Pett took a kick in the face as he bravely dived at the feet of Essam and the long delay almost served as a hydration break as Horsham rallied strongly following a touchline huddle.
After 70 minutes they reduced the deficit to one when a left-sided cross from Semark was headed back across the face of goal to be finished at close range by Burrows and, within four minutes, they were level when a pass inside of the defender from Whiteman found Theodore, who drove an unstoppable shot past Pett.
There seemed an inevitability that the visitors would find a winner and with three minutes remaining they were offered the opportunity from the penalty spot following a handball with Semark converting.
To the Angels credit, they strove for an equaliser in seven minutes of added time, but were frustrated in the 94th minute when Furber made a good save from Taylor, but from the resultant corner, Byatt headed home to bring a fair result to a wonderfully entertaining evening.
Roll on November, when these two teams go head-to-head again.
Pictures: Alfie Thomas
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