Tonbridge Angels (1) 2 Tanga 33 Babajide 84
Ramsgate (1) 1 Paxman 21 (pen)
Attendance: 912
Admission: £15
Mileage: 38/1,448
FA CUP STUTTERING START
The FA Cup journey began with the choke needed to get the old girl going and once she was running, it appeared that she had been filled with dodgy petrol, but with a little help from our east Kent friends, we limped over the line and into Monday’s Third Qualifying Round draw.
The tie always had an element of jeopardy, especially given the Angels lamentable history in the grand old competition.
Nothing is taken for granted in the Cup. We can dream of the million pound payday at Old Trafford but every last supporter is acutely aware that there is a Binfield around the corner.
Nobody of a Tonbridge persuasion takes the competition’s prize money for granted; we all do the maths and add in the losers money for the next round. It’s not a fatalistic attitude, it is one that has become ingrained by years of disappointment.
The First Round Proper is the holy grail that has been achieved seven times in the past, not a great percentage for 77 years of trying.
Ramsgate came to the Yeomans Community Stadium with the recent (2022) experience of making it to Round Two where they travelled to AFC Wimbledon accompanied by 1,500 of their fans. Sadly, it ended in a heavy 5-0 defeat.
On a mild, but breezy, afternoon a moving tribute was made to the legend Steve Churcher. Former chairman and life president, Steve was a heartbeat within the club and his famous jacket and hat were laid in the centre circle whilst a minute's applause was observed.
The Angels made their way into the hat into the draw overcoming their county neighbours, who remained competitive throughout the game despite playing the entire second half a man light after Raphe Brown was sent off following a second yellow that brought the home side a penalty.
Ramsgate took the lead after 21 minutes from the penalty spot after making much the brighter start to the game. Billy Munday was brought down and Alfie Paxman made no mistake sending the Angels goalkeeper, Nathan Harness the wrong way.
The home side equalised after 33 minutes when a surging run and cross from Frankie Baker was rewarded with a close range finish at the far post from Jepthe Tanga.
Tonbridge had the opportunity to go into the break in front when they were awarded a penalty after Baker had been felled by Brown, who received a second yellow and the resultant red card. Bailey Akehurst’s spot kick came back from the underside of the bar and the follow-up ended with a shot that cleared the bar.
An audacious lob from 40 yards from Sam Corne that saw ex-Angels goalkeeper, Jonny Henly touch the ball onto the crossbar brought the first half to an end.
The second half was one of resilience on behalf of the Isthmian League Premier side who battled their way into the final 10 minutes with a dogged display. But, with six minutes remaining, Tanga danced along the byline before pulling the ball back for substitute Bunmi Babajide to fire home.
As a result of this late posting, we now know that Torquay United will make their way to the Yeomans on 3rd October, for their third visit in eight home games for the Angels. We could have wished for an easier tie, but games between the two clubs have been tight in recent times and the home advantage might count for something, although both of the past encounters have resulted in 2-1 wins for the visitors.
On the financial side, it should bring a good attendance and, dare we contemplate that their interests for the season might lie elsewhere.
Pictures: Dave Couldridge
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