Match 94/14/1203 - Wednesday, 6th May 2015 - Suburban League Shield SF
Tonbridge (4) 6 Pearson 23,39,88,90+3, Philpott 30, Coldicott 36
Welling United (0) 1 Scored on 81
Headcount 40
Entrance: £2 Senior
Programme: None, team sheet supplied
Mileage: 38/6,578
A performance from Tonbridge's reserve side that left me mystified as to their display in the Kent Intermediate Final against Faversham. Admittedly Faversham looked a decent side, whilst Welling, on this particular evening, were quite woeful.
But let's not take anything away from Tonbridge as, in a higher profile game, Tom Pearson would have taken all the plaudits for his four-goal haul, but a sparkling individual performance from Jermeille Johnson really caught the eye. At the back 17-year-old James Philpott confirmed all the good reports I have heard with an solid game (and a goal for good measure).
Onwards to another Final, against Metropolitan Police with date and venue to be confirmed and an opportunity to redeem that Faversham disappointment.
Showing posts with label Tonbridge Angels (8). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tonbridge Angels (8). Show all posts
Thursday, 7 May 2015
Sunday, 26 April 2015
Tonbridge 2 Dulwich Hamlet 2
Match 89/14/1198 - Saturday 26th April 2015 - Ryman Premier
Tonbridge (1) 2 Williams 18, Pinnock 85
Dulwich Hamlet (1) 2 Ottaway 22, Vidal 72
Att. 758
Entrance: £6.00 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 38/6,344
Match Report
The season of Tonbridge Angels Football Club was encapsulated in the final 90 minutes of the game against play-off contenders Dulwich Hamlet.
They produced a spirited performance against a team worthy of their position in the top five but the ultimate sharing of the points dropped the club from what could have been a relatively respectable 16th position to one of the 20th, the club just above the relegation line, and one that history will say in years to come were the side that just about escaped with bare statistics not telling the true story.
The final day when results were needed for Harrow Borough, Canvey Island, Lewes and VCD Athletic in their quest to avoid falling into the bottom four, they all won and in the process leapfrogged Tonbridge Angels, leaving Peacehaven in the bottom four but safe as there was the security of a reprieve on the table due to the demise of Salisbury and Hereford at the beginning of the season.
At the final whistle both teams were able to acknowledge their fans with a smile and for the South London side they were able to celebrate their play-off place with their supporters who had arrived in big numbers and gave their team noisy support throughout the game. They go on to an away game at Margate on Thursday; I can only wish them every success.
For Tonbridge, it was time to reflect and the Meeting with the Manager on Thursday evening also gave a helpful insight into their fortunes, or lack of it, during the past nine months.
The opening question brought was a strange one but brought laughter. Steve McKimm was told by a male member of the audience, “did he know that he had a nice smile”? McKimm replied that his wife tells him he has, but he hasn’t had that compliment from many men! Truth is, he has had very little to smile about this season and he quite rightly bemoaned his luck with injuries throughout the term. Over the course of the season, he has not been able to play what he would recognise his back four of choice since the opening game and against Dulwich Hamlet, the misfortune continued when Tommy Parkinson, named as runner-up in the Supporters Player of the Year Award prior to kick-off went down early in the second half. It is a massive credit to McKimm that his makeshift back four has managed to achieve the least goals conceded of any team up to Bognor Regis, who finished 14th and above them into the top half of the table before you find the next one.
The second half was played with Jack Parter slotting in alongside Charlie Slocombe, hardly the dominant, in terms of size, pairing needed to contain a lively strikeforce led by Harry Ottaway.
Steve McKimm, when asked about players that would continue to be at the club next season had revealed at the meeting that he would not be tearing up the team sheet at the end of the season, the nucleus of the team would be offered a place next year and the last thing he wanted would be to start with a blank sheet of paper as he had done back in July. One player that would not be returning, however, was to be Marvin Williams, who sadly will be retiring from the game at just 27 years of age, victim of an Achilles injury that would not have been helped by the likes of the hard, dusty pitch of today.
Marvellous Marvin said goodbye to fans, grateful for his contribution for the last six months, with a goal after 18 minutes. Mitchell Pinnock, for whom Tonbridge supporters will be crossing fingers and toes that he returns in August (however unlikely that may be), played a peach of a pass over the top to Williams, whose pace took him clear of the defence and a deft lob over the advancing Phil Wilson completed the act.
One of Tonbridge’s achilles heel this season has been the goalkeeping position, six have been used in total. It was a topic that was brought up and McKimm said that he had high regard for the present incumbent, Billy Bishop, who was available following his release from AFC Wimbledon. However, his authority within his own six yard box might have been brought into question when a cross from the right allowed Ottaway a simple far post header to level the scoring just four minutes after the opening goal.
Dulwich looked every inch the side of play-off credentials and had chances to go into the break in front, Ottaway rounding Bishop only the see his shot cleared from the line by Parkinson being the pick of the opportunities.
In his team selection, McKimm had opted to rest Tommy Whitnell, who was awarded the Supporters Player of the Year award, to the bench. After an hour, Marvin Williams took his final bow, to a rousing send-off from the Tonbridge faithful, to be replaced by Whitnell, who was completing a full set of appearances for the club this season.
Tonbridge had a great chance to restore their lead after 70 minutes when Nathan Elder was sent clear. However, the big striker’s lack of pace meant that he had to take his shot early and his effort cleared the bar. The big man’s presence has been invaluable towards the end of the season and when asked if he could be back, McKimm obviously would be pleased to have him but the player would be assessing his options. In the walk round after the game I shouted to Nathan, “see you next year?” and received a thumbs-up in return, I wonder?
Within a minute, Dulwich supporters were wildly happy as the visitors took the lead. Xavier Vidal cutting in front the right and firing a low shot past Bishop with Dulwich only needed a point to cement their play-off place.
Mitchell Pinnock has been the shining light of Tonbridge’s recovery from the lowest point at Grays, as McKimm described it, to the recovery and Ryman Premier safety and Tonbridge supporters would give their right arms to have permanently in their side. One forum member has even offered to pay his wages! With five minutes remaining, Tonbridge were awarded a free kick, 25 yards from goal. Pinnock curled an exquisite shot into the far corner beyond the grasp of Wilson. Fantastic goal, if we are not too see Pinnock next term, we can only say thank you for your time at the club this year.
A draw suited both sides and the final whistle brought a walk-round from both teams acknowledging the support that had been given.
Steve McKimm, looking forward, had revealed that although he made claim to a play-off spot this season, he knew that it was an unrealistic objective, but next season would consider it a failure if that was not to be achieved. McKimm came across as very likeable and someone that deserves much better fortune than he has enjoyed this season. Amen to that.
Tonbridge (1) 2 Williams 18, Pinnock 85
Dulwich Hamlet (1) 2 Ottaway 22, Vidal 72
Att. 758
Entrance: £6.00 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 38/6,344
Match Report
They produced a spirited performance against a team worthy of their position in the top five but the ultimate sharing of the points dropped the club from what could have been a relatively respectable 16th position to one of the 20th, the club just above the relegation line, and one that history will say in years to come were the side that just about escaped with bare statistics not telling the true story.
The final day when results were needed for Harrow Borough, Canvey Island, Lewes and VCD Athletic in their quest to avoid falling into the bottom four, they all won and in the process leapfrogged Tonbridge Angels, leaving Peacehaven in the bottom four but safe as there was the security of a reprieve on the table due to the demise of Salisbury and Hereford at the beginning of the season.
At the final whistle both teams were able to acknowledge their fans with a smile and for the South London side they were able to celebrate their play-off place with their supporters who had arrived in big numbers and gave their team noisy support throughout the game. They go on to an away game at Margate on Thursday; I can only wish them every success.
For Tonbridge, it was time to reflect and the Meeting with the Manager on Thursday evening also gave a helpful insight into their fortunes, or lack of it, during the past nine months.
The opening question brought was a strange one but brought laughter. Steve McKimm was told by a male member of the audience, “did he know that he had a nice smile”? McKimm replied that his wife tells him he has, but he hasn’t had that compliment from many men! Truth is, he has had very little to smile about this season and he quite rightly bemoaned his luck with injuries throughout the term. Over the course of the season, he has not been able to play what he would recognise his back four of choice since the opening game and against Dulwich Hamlet, the misfortune continued when Tommy Parkinson, named as runner-up in the Supporters Player of the Year Award prior to kick-off went down early in the second half. It is a massive credit to McKimm that his makeshift back four has managed to achieve the least goals conceded of any team up to Bognor Regis, who finished 14th and above them into the top half of the table before you find the next one.
The second half was played with Jack Parter slotting in alongside Charlie Slocombe, hardly the dominant, in terms of size, pairing needed to contain a lively strikeforce led by Harry Ottaway.
Steve McKimm, when asked about players that would continue to be at the club next season had revealed at the meeting that he would not be tearing up the team sheet at the end of the season, the nucleus of the team would be offered a place next year and the last thing he wanted would be to start with a blank sheet of paper as he had done back in July. One player that would not be returning, however, was to be Marvin Williams, who sadly will be retiring from the game at just 27 years of age, victim of an Achilles injury that would not have been helped by the likes of the hard, dusty pitch of today.
Marvellous Marvin said goodbye to fans, grateful for his contribution for the last six months, with a goal after 18 minutes. Mitchell Pinnock, for whom Tonbridge supporters will be crossing fingers and toes that he returns in August (however unlikely that may be), played a peach of a pass over the top to Williams, whose pace took him clear of the defence and a deft lob over the advancing Phil Wilson completed the act.
One of Tonbridge’s achilles heel this season has been the goalkeeping position, six have been used in total. It was a topic that was brought up and McKimm said that he had high regard for the present incumbent, Billy Bishop, who was available following his release from AFC Wimbledon. However, his authority within his own six yard box might have been brought into question when a cross from the right allowed Ottaway a simple far post header to level the scoring just four minutes after the opening goal.
Dulwich looked every inch the side of play-off credentials and had chances to go into the break in front, Ottaway rounding Bishop only the see his shot cleared from the line by Parkinson being the pick of the opportunities.
In his team selection, McKimm had opted to rest Tommy Whitnell, who was awarded the Supporters Player of the Year award, to the bench. After an hour, Marvin Williams took his final bow, to a rousing send-off from the Tonbridge faithful, to be replaced by Whitnell, who was completing a full set of appearances for the club this season.
Tonbridge had a great chance to restore their lead after 70 minutes when Nathan Elder was sent clear. However, the big striker’s lack of pace meant that he had to take his shot early and his effort cleared the bar. The big man’s presence has been invaluable towards the end of the season and when asked if he could be back, McKimm obviously would be pleased to have him but the player would be assessing his options. In the walk round after the game I shouted to Nathan, “see you next year?” and received a thumbs-up in return, I wonder?
Within a minute, Dulwich supporters were wildly happy as the visitors took the lead. Xavier Vidal cutting in front the right and firing a low shot past Bishop with Dulwich only needed a point to cement their play-off place.
Mitchell Pinnock has been the shining light of Tonbridge’s recovery from the lowest point at Grays, as McKimm described it, to the recovery and Ryman Premier safety and Tonbridge supporters would give their right arms to have permanently in their side. One forum member has even offered to pay his wages! With five minutes remaining, Tonbridge were awarded a free kick, 25 yards from goal. Pinnock curled an exquisite shot into the far corner beyond the grasp of Wilson. Fantastic goal, if we are not too see Pinnock next term, we can only say thank you for your time at the club this year.
A draw suited both sides and the final whistle brought a walk-round from both teams acknowledging the support that had been given.
Steve McKimm, looking forward, had revealed that although he made claim to a play-off spot this season, he knew that it was an unrealistic objective, but next season would consider it a failure if that was not to be achieved. McKimm came across as very likeable and someone that deserves much better fortune than he has enjoyed this season. Amen to that.
Sunday, 12 April 2015
Tonbridge 3 Witham Town 0
Match 84/14/1193 - Saturday 11th April 2015 - Ryman Premier
Tonbridge (2) 3 Williams 14, Medlock 45, 63 (pen)
Witham Town (0) 0
Att. 486
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 38/6,100
Match Report
Sometimes you just have to win ugly . . . just ask Jose Mourinho.
At this stage of the season some games have great significance and others have very little, so with this in mind, I took the decision to shelve the season ticket at Gillingham to hopefully see Tonbridge across the line and out of relegation trouble and despite the ugliness of the game, it would appear that, barring a freak set of results in the coming fortnight, it is job done.
As a first season as a manager, Steve McKimm has had an awful lot to deal with. As the teams lined up today with Jon Heath and Jerome Sobers at the centre of the defence and a clinical finisher in Billy Medlock there was the clear indication that, given the players that actually started the season, this would not have been the struggle that has materialised over the past eight months.
This win against fellow relegation-threatened Witham Town, virtually ended the visitors hopes of avoiding the drop to Ryman North next season, not that it dampened the spirits of the lone Witham supporter who sang his heart out for his club and even appeared happy at the prospect that next season they will be playing their neighbours and he celebrated this with his song "only four months from Heybridge".
A warm afternoon with a stiff breeze made for a drying pitch and the surface contributed to a scrappy match. After a quiet opening, in which Tommy Wraight, who recently had a two-week trial at Ipswich Town, gave James Folkes a few worrying moments, it was the home side that opened the scoring after 14 minutes. Billy Medlock drew a save from Martyn Guest in the Witham goal but his defenders made a hash of getting the loose ball to safety and when it fell at the feet of Marvin Williams he drilled it into the gaping goal.
Jack Parter justified my vote as player of the season prior to the game with a goal-line clearance before Medlock had the ball in the net only for it to be disallowed for offside.
Just before the break, Tonbridge supporters were able to relax over their Bovril as Medlock does what Billy does best. Williams slid a pass in from the right hand side and with a couple of feet to aim at, the striker found the net between Guest and his near post.
The game continued to be a scrappy affair into the second half. Nathan Elder, fed an opening by the excellent Williams, should have done better than to bring a smothering save from Guest and send the rebound high, wide and not very handsome.
Just past the hour mark and the game was made safe, and with it, hopefully, Ryman Premier League football. Medlock was needlessly fouled in the box for a penalty. An unnecessary squabble ensued between Medlock and Mitchell Pinnock that needed a word from captain Sobers before Medlock sent the keeper the wrong way to complete the scoring.
The mathematics are not in place, but most people, it seems, are accepting that Tonbridge's final dash to safety has been successful and have sighed a big relief.
Tonbridge (2) 3 Williams 14, Medlock 45, 63 (pen)
Witham Town (0) 0
Att. 486
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 38/6,100
Match Report
At this stage of the season some games have great significance and others have very little, so with this in mind, I took the decision to shelve the season ticket at Gillingham to hopefully see Tonbridge across the line and out of relegation trouble and despite the ugliness of the game, it would appear that, barring a freak set of results in the coming fortnight, it is job done.
As a first season as a manager, Steve McKimm has had an awful lot to deal with. As the teams lined up today with Jon Heath and Jerome Sobers at the centre of the defence and a clinical finisher in Billy Medlock there was the clear indication that, given the players that actually started the season, this would not have been the struggle that has materialised over the past eight months.
This win against fellow relegation-threatened Witham Town, virtually ended the visitors hopes of avoiding the drop to Ryman North next season, not that it dampened the spirits of the lone Witham supporter who sang his heart out for his club and even appeared happy at the prospect that next season they will be playing their neighbours and he celebrated this with his song "only four months from Heybridge".
A warm afternoon with a stiff breeze made for a drying pitch and the surface contributed to a scrappy match. After a quiet opening, in which Tommy Wraight, who recently had a two-week trial at Ipswich Town, gave James Folkes a few worrying moments, it was the home side that opened the scoring after 14 minutes. Billy Medlock drew a save from Martyn Guest in the Witham goal but his defenders made a hash of getting the loose ball to safety and when it fell at the feet of Marvin Williams he drilled it into the gaping goal.
Jack Parter justified my vote as player of the season prior to the game with a goal-line clearance before Medlock had the ball in the net only for it to be disallowed for offside.
Just before the break, Tonbridge supporters were able to relax over their Bovril as Medlock does what Billy does best. Williams slid a pass in from the right hand side and with a couple of feet to aim at, the striker found the net between Guest and his near post.
The game continued to be a scrappy affair into the second half. Nathan Elder, fed an opening by the excellent Williams, should have done better than to bring a smothering save from Guest and send the rebound high, wide and not very handsome.
Just past the hour mark and the game was made safe, and with it, hopefully, Ryman Premier League football. Medlock was needlessly fouled in the box for a penalty. An unnecessary squabble ensued between Medlock and Mitchell Pinnock that needed a word from captain Sobers before Medlock sent the keeper the wrong way to complete the scoring.
The mathematics are not in place, but most people, it seems, are accepting that Tonbridge's final dash to safety has been successful and have sighed a big relief.
Thursday, 9 April 2015
Tonbridge Reserves 1 Faversham Town U-21 3
Match 83/14/1192 - Wednesday 8th April 2015 - Kent Intermediate Cup Final
Tonbridge Reserves (0) 1 Milham 50
Faversham Town U-21 (2) 3 Cheek 9, Hurcomb 38, Webb 61
Att. 164
Entrance: £4 Senior
Programme: Free
Mileage: 38/6,062
Match Report
Tonbridge utilised a largely reserve team in their Ryman Cup ties this season and produced good results against Chatham Town, Ramsgate and the ill-fated thrashing of Maidstone United at the Gallagher, which falsely led me to believe that there was to be silverware for the taking in their Kent Intermediate Cup Final, that also carried the advantage of being played on home soil.
Quite how the relevant strengths of a reserve side and that of an Under-21 side stack up is difficult to ascertain, but on the night the Faversham youngsters appeared physically stronger, quicker and better organised.
Tonbridge suffered from a competition rule that left Charlie Slocombe and Royce Greenidge ineligible due to a certain level of participation for the senior team. Whether this ruling also affected Faversham’s team selection I am unable to enlighten.
With the teams listed in the, albeit free, programme bearing no resemblance to the actual teams on show, it was difficult to pick out certain players. As a for instance, I had heard good reports of James Philpott and watched with interest how the number four listed in the programme was performing until he emerged as a late second half substitute!
A decent attendance of 164 turned out and the cheer that greeted Faversham’s opening goal after nine minutes suggested that a fair number had made their way from Salter’s Lane. A free header from a corner, powerfully planted into the net by Ryan Cheek from the edge of the six yard box suggested a lack of dominance of his area by Tonbridge goalkeeper, Jack Kelly, but over the course of the game the keeper redeemed himself on several occasions and without his contribution this could have been an embarrassing defeat for the Angels.
After 38 minutes a moment of high controversy doubled the lead of the East Kent club. Michael Hurcomb bundled the ball goalwards at the near post and as Kelly clawed the ball back from the line, the referee made the decision that the ball had crossed the line without any consultation with the far-sided linesman who had offered no flag to suggest that he was in accordance with the referee’s conclusion.
An early second half goal from Cameron Milham shooting home from the angle of the six yard box offered Tonbridge some hope after 50 minutes, but that was extinquished ten minutes later when a brilliant solo goal from Bradley Webb, who ran 30 yards with the ball, before rounding Kelly to secure the Lilywhites victory.
Tonbridge Reserves (0) 1 Milham 50
Faversham Town U-21 (2) 3 Cheek 9, Hurcomb 38, Webb 61
Att. 164
Entrance: £4 Senior
Programme: Free
Mileage: 38/6,062
Match Report
Quite how the relevant strengths of a reserve side and that of an Under-21 side stack up is difficult to ascertain, but on the night the Faversham youngsters appeared physically stronger, quicker and better organised.
Tonbridge suffered from a competition rule that left Charlie Slocombe and Royce Greenidge ineligible due to a certain level of participation for the senior team. Whether this ruling also affected Faversham’s team selection I am unable to enlighten.
With the teams listed in the, albeit free, programme bearing no resemblance to the actual teams on show, it was difficult to pick out certain players. As a for instance, I had heard good reports of James Philpott and watched with interest how the number four listed in the programme was performing until he emerged as a late second half substitute!
A decent attendance of 164 turned out and the cheer that greeted Faversham’s opening goal after nine minutes suggested that a fair number had made their way from Salter’s Lane. A free header from a corner, powerfully planted into the net by Ryan Cheek from the edge of the six yard box suggested a lack of dominance of his area by Tonbridge goalkeeper, Jack Kelly, but over the course of the game the keeper redeemed himself on several occasions and without his contribution this could have been an embarrassing defeat for the Angels.
After 38 minutes a moment of high controversy doubled the lead of the East Kent club. Michael Hurcomb bundled the ball goalwards at the near post and as Kelly clawed the ball back from the line, the referee made the decision that the ball had crossed the line without any consultation with the far-sided linesman who had offered no flag to suggest that he was in accordance with the referee’s conclusion.
An early second half goal from Cameron Milham shooting home from the angle of the six yard box offered Tonbridge some hope after 50 minutes, but that was extinquished ten minutes later when a brilliant solo goal from Bradley Webb, who ran 30 yards with the ball, before rounding Kelly to secure the Lilywhites victory.
Sunday, 5 April 2015
Tonbridge 4 AFC Hornchurch 0
Match 81/14/1190 - Saturday 4th April 2015 - Ryman Premier
Tonbridge (2) 4 Sobers 13, Parkinson 45, Medlock 67, Greenidge 90
AFC Hornchurch (0) 0 Evans 18
Att. 464
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 36/5,916
Match Report
At this point in the season, call it the business end or twitchy-bum time, performances matter far less than the result. With the clubs presently 21st and 22nd beginning to snap at the heels of Tonbridge, any manner of victory would have sufficed but to achieve it with a quality performance lends itself to confidence that they will emerge from this mess with their Ryman Premier League status intact.
The pieces might have fallen into place at just the right time for Steve McKimm. The disappointment of the return to their parent clubs of Mitchell Pinnock and Tom Hadler has diminished as McKimm has managed to convince Bromley to allow Pinnock to return to Longmead for the rest of the season and the signing of Billy Bishop from AFC Wimbledon brought an assured performance from the goalkeeper. Nathan Elder showed all the experience that a seasoned striker can bring and Billy Medlock did what Medlock does ... score goals.
Tonbridge's three remaining home games were key to their survival, two of which were against teams below them in the table. Hornchurch's situation was altogether worse than the home team and they arrived in Kent knowing that a draw wasn't going to help matters too greatly and with their attacking intentions a very good game was to ensue.
Leading the line for the Essex club was George Purcell, ex-Tonbridge favourite, and when he shot across the face of goal early in the game that virtually ended up at the corner flag, it was the beginning of a frustrating afternoon that saw him booked and miss a variety of chances.
Marvin Williams and Pinnock were terrorising the Hornchurch back line with their pace and after Sam Mott had made turned away a Williams effort, the resultant corner, poorly cleared, fell at the feet of Jerome Sobers, who drove home like a seasoned striker.
Chances came and went for both sides, Tommy Whitnell, having his best game in ages, crashed a shot against the crossbar and Elder was thwarted by a fine stop from Mott. Hornchurch were giving as good as they got with Purcell wasteful and Bishop making a save and also thankful to see a header drift wide of the post.
Just before the break, Tom Parkinson drove into the bottom corner to double the advantage leaving McKimm's half-time talk along the lines of more of the same and, in general, that is what ensued.
Hornchurch produced some very uncomfortable moments before a Medlock shot took a savage deflection to put the game out of the visitor's reach with 20 minutes to go.
Elder, whose hold-up play in particular was top drawer and deserved a goal for his efforts, unselfishly set up substitute Royce Greenidge for a fourth goal that added the gloss to a fine team performance as the game entered added time.
More of the same can also be said of next week's home game with Witham Town, achieve that and I'm confident that Ryman Premier football will be gracing again Longmead next season.
Tonbridge (2) 4 Sobers 13, Parkinson 45, Medlock 67, Greenidge 90
AFC Hornchurch (0) 0 Evans 18
Att. 464
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 36/5,916
Match Report
The pieces might have fallen into place at just the right time for Steve McKimm. The disappointment of the return to their parent clubs of Mitchell Pinnock and Tom Hadler has diminished as McKimm has managed to convince Bromley to allow Pinnock to return to Longmead for the rest of the season and the signing of Billy Bishop from AFC Wimbledon brought an assured performance from the goalkeeper. Nathan Elder showed all the experience that a seasoned striker can bring and Billy Medlock did what Medlock does ... score goals.
Tonbridge's three remaining home games were key to their survival, two of which were against teams below them in the table. Hornchurch's situation was altogether worse than the home team and they arrived in Kent knowing that a draw wasn't going to help matters too greatly and with their attacking intentions a very good game was to ensue.
Leading the line for the Essex club was George Purcell, ex-Tonbridge favourite, and when he shot across the face of goal early in the game that virtually ended up at the corner flag, it was the beginning of a frustrating afternoon that saw him booked and miss a variety of chances.
Marvin Williams and Pinnock were terrorising the Hornchurch back line with their pace and after Sam Mott had made turned away a Williams effort, the resultant corner, poorly cleared, fell at the feet of Jerome Sobers, who drove home like a seasoned striker.
Chances came and went for both sides, Tommy Whitnell, having his best game in ages, crashed a shot against the crossbar and Elder was thwarted by a fine stop from Mott. Hornchurch were giving as good as they got with Purcell wasteful and Bishop making a save and also thankful to see a header drift wide of the post.
Just before the break, Tom Parkinson drove into the bottom corner to double the advantage leaving McKimm's half-time talk along the lines of more of the same and, in general, that is what ensued.
Hornchurch produced some very uncomfortable moments before a Medlock shot took a savage deflection to put the game out of the visitor's reach with 20 minutes to go.
Elder, whose hold-up play in particular was top drawer and deserved a goal for his efforts, unselfishly set up substitute Royce Greenidge for a fourth goal that added the gloss to a fine team performance as the game entered added time.
More of the same can also be said of next week's home game with Witham Town, achieve that and I'm confident that Ryman Premier football will be gracing again Longmead next season.
Saturday, 14 February 2015
Tonbridge 1 Wingate & Finchley 2
Match 64/14/1173 - Tuesday 10th February 2015 - Ryman Premier
Tonbridge (1) 1 Okojie 31
Wingate & Finchley (2) 2 Tejan-Sie 4, Read 21
Att. 214
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 36/4,730
Match Report
Those of us that use the M25 regularly would, at some time or another, sat in three lanes of traffic, probably just before Clacketts Services or the Heathrow junctions. We have all suffered that severe temptation of lane changing and most of would have succumbed to it. The lane outside of the one that you are sitting in appears to be moving just that little bit quicker, so you indicate, move into the lane and, lo and behold, you sprint forward until 100 metres later the red taillights in front indicate that the lane is going to grind to a halt and within the minutes the car that you was following is back in front of you again.
That is Tonbridge Angels’ season in a nutshell. At Canvey Island, 10 days earlier, the wheels were not even going round, stuck on the hard shoulder going nowhere. But, with a quick service, the trip round the M25 to Hampton and Richmond was, reportedly, not without its bumps in the road, but progress was made. But, back on home soil, it was back to red lights once more. Stop, start, stop, start, that is Tonbridge, in a season that now has the admittance of one of transition from the very top of the club.
Losing to Wingate and Finchley is no disgrace, they have been in and around the top six for most of the season and the reverse fixture back in September was very much one-way traffic (to continue the analogy). The home side were given something of a lift on sight of the Wingate team sheet that showed leading scorer Dave Knight an absentee.
After just four minutes the task in hand became an uphill one when a long ball forward, all of 50 yards, was helped into the path of Tommy Tejan-Sie who sprinted between two Tonbridge defenders and kept his composure to shoot past Kyle Merson from around 12 yards.
Joe Taylor headed against the bar from a Dee Okojie cross when it seemed easier to score and the rebound off the woodwork brought a reflex save from the quite diminutive Jack Metcalf, turning over the bar a shot from Mitchell Pinnock, a debutant loanee from Bromley.
After 20 minutes, Taylor got his body shape all wrong in front of goal and his effort cleared the bar by some distance before a minute later, another defensive lapse led to the North London side doubling their lead. Karl Ollyide fired in a shot from 20 yards with brought only a parrying save from Kyle Merson and Jack Read who had begun the move was on hand to touch home the rebound to the delight of the half-dozen visiting supporters who it appeared had brought a flag each.
Tonbridge gave themselves a foothold in the game after 33 minutes when Taylor slid a pass across the edge of the 18 yard box to Okojie who struck a firm right foot shot past Metcalf to reduce the deficit.
The second half was one of almost continual pressure from the home side but the finish that was needed eluded them and the big chance to put the game beyond them fell to Wingate when Rob Laney headed against the post from close range.
Tonbridge’s big chance of an equaliser fell at the feet of defender Charlie Slocombe at the far post but he could only turn his shot across the face of goal.
Tonbridge deserved better on the night than defeat but chances missed and defensive lapses generally only lead to that outcome. Pinnock looks a good addition to the squad and with Simon Cox, another recent signing due back, the squad looks stronger and strong enough to stay clear of the traffic at the very bottom end of the division.
Tonbridge (1) 1 Okojie 31
Wingate & Finchley (2) 2 Tejan-Sie 4, Read 21
Att. 214
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 36/4,730
Match Report
That is Tonbridge Angels’ season in a nutshell. At Canvey Island, 10 days earlier, the wheels were not even going round, stuck on the hard shoulder going nowhere. But, with a quick service, the trip round the M25 to Hampton and Richmond was, reportedly, not without its bumps in the road, but progress was made. But, back on home soil, it was back to red lights once more. Stop, start, stop, start, that is Tonbridge, in a season that now has the admittance of one of transition from the very top of the club.
Losing to Wingate and Finchley is no disgrace, they have been in and around the top six for most of the season and the reverse fixture back in September was very much one-way traffic (to continue the analogy). The home side were given something of a lift on sight of the Wingate team sheet that showed leading scorer Dave Knight an absentee.
After just four minutes the task in hand became an uphill one when a long ball forward, all of 50 yards, was helped into the path of Tommy Tejan-Sie who sprinted between two Tonbridge defenders and kept his composure to shoot past Kyle Merson from around 12 yards.
Joe Taylor headed against the bar from a Dee Okojie cross when it seemed easier to score and the rebound off the woodwork brought a reflex save from the quite diminutive Jack Metcalf, turning over the bar a shot from Mitchell Pinnock, a debutant loanee from Bromley.
After 20 minutes, Taylor got his body shape all wrong in front of goal and his effort cleared the bar by some distance before a minute later, another defensive lapse led to the North London side doubling their lead. Karl Ollyide fired in a shot from 20 yards with brought only a parrying save from Kyle Merson and Jack Read who had begun the move was on hand to touch home the rebound to the delight of the half-dozen visiting supporters who it appeared had brought a flag each.
Tonbridge gave themselves a foothold in the game after 33 minutes when Taylor slid a pass across the edge of the 18 yard box to Okojie who struck a firm right foot shot past Metcalf to reduce the deficit.
The second half was one of almost continual pressure from the home side but the finish that was needed eluded them and the big chance to put the game beyond them fell to Wingate when Rob Laney headed against the post from close range.
Tonbridge’s big chance of an equaliser fell at the feet of defender Charlie Slocombe at the far post but he could only turn his shot across the face of goal.
Tonbridge deserved better on the night than defeat but chances missed and defensive lapses generally only lead to that outcome. Pinnock looks a good addition to the squad and with Simon Cox, another recent signing due back, the squad looks stronger and strong enough to stay clear of the traffic at the very bottom end of the division.
Sunday, 28 December 2014
Tonbridge 2 Margate 2
Match 51/14/1160 - Saturday, 27th December 2014 - Ryman Premier
Tonbridge (1) 2 Okojie 45, Carey (pen) 71
Margate (1) 2 Moss 15, Bull 90+3
Att. 610
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 36/3,762
Match Report
As I switched on the car engine and prepared for the drive home I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, in truth I could barely believe what I had witnessed. Three hours previously, I hadn’t expected to watch the most entertaining game I’ve seen this season with just about every element of drama the game can offer.
As I pulled out of the Longmead car park, formulating in my head how I would write up the afternoon’s events, one thing was at the forefront of my mind . . . I was immensely proud of my Tonbridge club.
The thrilling, heartbreaking climax to this game was set up in the opening minutes. The Ryman Premier League leaders, Margate, with all their wealth borne of a sugar daddy that other supporters loathe until their club is the beneficiary, should not have been in need of a helping hand on their way to an expected three points to keep their noses in front of Maidstone at the summit of the table.
But a helping hand was offered after just three minutes when the Tonbridge Angels centre half, Laurence Ball, was shown a red card for a professional foul as Jamie Taylor bore down on goal. At first look, from a distance of 50 yards, it looked a straightforward decision for the referee, but doubt has since been cast whether Taylor was offside in the first place and also to amount of contact Ball actually made. But red it was, and what was always going to be an uphill struggle became just a little steeper.
As Tonbridge struggled to reorganise, Taylor clipped the bar before, in the 17th minute, Ryan Moss looped a header over Tom Hadler for the opening goal. It was a goal that you felt the young keeper could have done better with, but that is probably the first goal that he can be criticised for since his arrival.
One suspected that this would be the beginning of potential hammering for the Angels and those thoughts were further compounded when after 25 minutes, Jerrome Sobers went down injured and the physio quickly signaled that his game was over. A man light, no recognised centre half, this game could only have one conclusion.
Margate dominated, but the makeshift defence were standing their ground and limiting the visitors to just the odd moment that sent the heart fluttering. Then, as the clock ticked to the last minute of the first half and out of nowhere, Dee Okojie receiving the ball 25 yards from goal, produced the most delightful chip over the head of Nikki Bull, who was little more than a yard off his line, for an unexpected equaliser that must have changed the drift of Steve McKimm’s half-time talk as he sprinted towards the dressing room.
The early part of the second half took its expected course with Margate continuing to dominate, but signs were there that the pace of Marvin Williams was presenting them with problems and as their possession wasn’t really leading to chances let along goals, the more frustrated they became. All of a sudden the referee was brandishing yellow cards and it was the visitors that were receiving them.
After 71 minutes, the Tonbridge support was pinching themselves in disbelief as their side took the lead. Williams was sent clear, leaving Lewis Taylor in his wake before the former Tonbridge favourite clipped his feet for a penalty which was confidently converted by Lee Carey. The only regret was there was the best part of 20 minutes remaining and a siege on the Tonbridge goal was a certainty.
And so it was, but once again the chances were limited, a header that drifted wide and Hadler made a plunging save at his near post, but overall Tonbridge looked quite sure footed with their central defensive pairing of Tom Parkinson, a midfielder and Charlie Slocombe, a full back repelling all that was thrown at them.
The game entered its time added on period of four minutes and more than three of those had elapsed when Margate won a corner. Up came goalkeeper Bull and the corner from the right was cleared only to produce another corner from the left. This time the delivery required a positive clearance but the ball only found its way to the feet of Bull who produced a shot of a seasoned striker before running to the visiting supporters in a celebration reminiscent of Jimmy Glass.
In the cold light of reflection, would we have taken a point before a ball was kicked, probably; would we have taken a point after Ball’s sending off, most definitely. But to be denied victory so late and in such bizarre circumstances was heartbreaking.
These are the afternoons that make football the game it is. Unexpected, unpredictable and thrilling.
Tonbridge (1) 2 Okojie 45, Carey (pen) 71
Margate (1) 2 Moss 15, Bull 90+3
Att. 610
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 36/3,762
Match Report
As I pulled out of the Longmead car park, formulating in my head how I would write up the afternoon’s events, one thing was at the forefront of my mind . . . I was immensely proud of my Tonbridge club.
The thrilling, heartbreaking climax to this game was set up in the opening minutes. The Ryman Premier League leaders, Margate, with all their wealth borne of a sugar daddy that other supporters loathe until their club is the beneficiary, should not have been in need of a helping hand on their way to an expected three points to keep their noses in front of Maidstone at the summit of the table.
But a helping hand was offered after just three minutes when the Tonbridge Angels centre half, Laurence Ball, was shown a red card for a professional foul as Jamie Taylor bore down on goal. At first look, from a distance of 50 yards, it looked a straightforward decision for the referee, but doubt has since been cast whether Taylor was offside in the first place and also to amount of contact Ball actually made. But red it was, and what was always going to be an uphill struggle became just a little steeper.
As Tonbridge struggled to reorganise, Taylor clipped the bar before, in the 17th minute, Ryan Moss looped a header over Tom Hadler for the opening goal. It was a goal that you felt the young keeper could have done better with, but that is probably the first goal that he can be criticised for since his arrival.
One suspected that this would be the beginning of potential hammering for the Angels and those thoughts were further compounded when after 25 minutes, Jerrome Sobers went down injured and the physio quickly signaled that his game was over. A man light, no recognised centre half, this game could only have one conclusion.
Margate dominated, but the makeshift defence were standing their ground and limiting the visitors to just the odd moment that sent the heart fluttering. Then, as the clock ticked to the last minute of the first half and out of nowhere, Dee Okojie receiving the ball 25 yards from goal, produced the most delightful chip over the head of Nikki Bull, who was little more than a yard off his line, for an unexpected equaliser that must have changed the drift of Steve McKimm’s half-time talk as he sprinted towards the dressing room.
The early part of the second half took its expected course with Margate continuing to dominate, but signs were there that the pace of Marvin Williams was presenting them with problems and as their possession wasn’t really leading to chances let along goals, the more frustrated they became. All of a sudden the referee was brandishing yellow cards and it was the visitors that were receiving them.
After 71 minutes, the Tonbridge support was pinching themselves in disbelief as their side took the lead. Williams was sent clear, leaving Lewis Taylor in his wake before the former Tonbridge favourite clipped his feet for a penalty which was confidently converted by Lee Carey. The only regret was there was the best part of 20 minutes remaining and a siege on the Tonbridge goal was a certainty.
And so it was, but once again the chances were limited, a header that drifted wide and Hadler made a plunging save at his near post, but overall Tonbridge looked quite sure footed with their central defensive pairing of Tom Parkinson, a midfielder and Charlie Slocombe, a full back repelling all that was thrown at them.
The game entered its time added on period of four minutes and more than three of those had elapsed when Margate won a corner. Up came goalkeeper Bull and the corner from the right was cleared only to produce another corner from the left. This time the delivery required a positive clearance but the ball only found its way to the feet of Bull who produced a shot of a seasoned striker before running to the visiting supporters in a celebration reminiscent of Jimmy Glass.
In the cold light of reflection, would we have taken a point before a ball was kicked, probably; would we have taken a point after Ball’s sending off, most definitely. But to be denied victory so late and in such bizarre circumstances was heartbreaking.
These are the afternoons that make football the game it is. Unexpected, unpredictable and thrilling.
Sunday, 9 November 2014
Tonbridge 0 Billericay Town 1
Match 39/14/1148 - Saturday, 8th November 2014 - Ryman Premier
Tonbridge (0) 0
Billericay Town (0) 1 Cleaver 79
Att. 398
Entrance: £3 Senior (Late entry)
Programme: Too Late
Mileage: 36/2,612
Match Report
There is a new lady in my life and she may become a bit demanding of my time. So it was, for this Ryman League match at Tonbridge, I not only arrived 30 minutes after the start, but was not even supposed to be there at all!
Just to clarify, the new lady is Molly, an eight-week old cocker spaniel puppy who we had collected on Saturday lunchtime. I had purchased a ticket for Gillingham’s FA Cup tie with Bristol City, but as time ebbed away, Tonbridge was going to offer a greater amount of football time.
On arrival, I was informed that the home side had enjoyed the majority of possession but had suffered two injuries leading to the substitutions of Lee Carey and Chris Piper. Sadly, I had also missed the act of remembrance which had been signalled by The Last Post, played by a young lad with a trumpet, a fitting tribute to those who lost their lives 100 years ago and in subsequent conflicts.
The remainder of the half had emphasised my fellow supporter’s views as Tonbridge continued to dominate but the lack of a cutting edge without the departed Billy Medlock was clearly apparent.
A week ago at VCD, I and many others, were bemoaning Medlock’s selfishness when shooting and a pass was a much better option, but how Tonbridge could have done with some of that single-mindedness in this game. Too many times, an extra touch, an extra pass was played when begging for a shot a goal.
Alex Teniola, who is the in-house replacement for the departed striker, had a quiet game with his only chance being a first half shot across the face of goal. With Tonbridge enjoying the possession, the full backs, Jack Parter and James Folkes, were offered a licence to get crosses into the box, but these were capably dealt with by Billericay’s keeper, Billy Lumley.
The sucker punch arrived on 78 minutes. After a scramble inside the six-yard box which led to Lumley making a double save and with the protestations of handball ringing in the referee’s ears, Billericay broke away and with a three-on-two situation worked the ball to Jacob Cleaver to score past Tom Hadler.
In one last desperate assault on the visitor’s goal, Lumley made an incredible double save to deny Dee Okojie and preserve the points for the Essex side, who at the final whistle moments later celebrated their victory, shall we say, enthusiastically.
So it was that disappointment at Longmead was compensated with new found Puppy Love at home. Aahh!
Tonbridge (0) 0
Billericay Town (0) 1 Cleaver 79
Att. 398
Entrance: £3 Senior (Late entry)
Programme: Too Late
Mileage: 36/2,612
Match Report
There is a new lady in my life and she may become a bit demanding of my time. So it was, for this Ryman League match at Tonbridge, I not only arrived 30 minutes after the start, but was not even supposed to be there at all!
Just to clarify, the new lady is Molly, an eight-week old cocker spaniel puppy who we had collected on Saturday lunchtime. I had purchased a ticket for Gillingham’s FA Cup tie with Bristol City, but as time ebbed away, Tonbridge was going to offer a greater amount of football time.
On arrival, I was informed that the home side had enjoyed the majority of possession but had suffered two injuries leading to the substitutions of Lee Carey and Chris Piper. Sadly, I had also missed the act of remembrance which had been signalled by The Last Post, played by a young lad with a trumpet, a fitting tribute to those who lost their lives 100 years ago and in subsequent conflicts.
The remainder of the half had emphasised my fellow supporter’s views as Tonbridge continued to dominate but the lack of a cutting edge without the departed Billy Medlock was clearly apparent.
A week ago at VCD, I and many others, were bemoaning Medlock’s selfishness when shooting and a pass was a much better option, but how Tonbridge could have done with some of that single-mindedness in this game. Too many times, an extra touch, an extra pass was played when begging for a shot a goal.
Alex Teniola, who is the in-house replacement for the departed striker, had a quiet game with his only chance being a first half shot across the face of goal. With Tonbridge enjoying the possession, the full backs, Jack Parter and James Folkes, were offered a licence to get crosses into the box, but these were capably dealt with by Billericay’s keeper, Billy Lumley.
The sucker punch arrived on 78 minutes. After a scramble inside the six-yard box which led to Lumley making a double save and with the protestations of handball ringing in the referee’s ears, Billericay broke away and with a three-on-two situation worked the ball to Jacob Cleaver to score past Tom Hadler.
In one last desperate assault on the visitor’s goal, Lumley made an incredible double save to deny Dee Okojie and preserve the points for the Essex side, who at the final whistle moments later celebrated their victory, shall we say, enthusiastically.
So it was that disappointment at Longmead was compensated with new found Puppy Love at home. Aahh!
Sunday, 19 October 2014
Tonbridge 1 Grays Athletic 2
Match 33/14/1142 - Saturday, 18th October 2014 - Ryman Premier
Tonbridge (0) 1 Parkinson 71
Grays Athletic (2) 2 Dumaka 28, Lapado 40
Att. 429
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 36/2,301
Match Report
Tonbridge met Grays Athletic for a first time in a League fixture, leaving aside a FA Trophy encounter back in 1988, their only other competitive matches were in the Kent Floodlight Cup and Kent Senior Shield, surely a case of geographical dyslexia.
Those Kent cup fixtures were played during the late 1960s and early 1970s, if they have happened in the last five years then Grays' geographic displacement could be understood as they have led a nomadic life since the demise of their Recreation Ground. They presently play their home fixtures at Aveley, but also have played at East Thurrock and Romford in that time.
Grays Athletic were one of the top non-league teams in the country back in 2005 winning the FA Trophy in successive years under the stewardship of Mark Stimson, who, of course, went on to have an up and down managerial career at Gillingham. My memory of Grays at the Recreation Ground was a pre-season friendly with Gillingham that ended in a 1-0 defeat for the League club with the goal a thumping header from a certain Danny Kedwell.
Today’s game was played in unseasonable October weather with the temperature rising above 21degC but with dark clouds circling above Longmead threatening a downpour that materialised as a brief shower midway through the first half.
The first 20 minutes took a good deal longer with three lengthy stoppages, two of which being the Tonbridge physio attending their goalkeeper, Kyle Merson, after a collision with Freddie Lapado. With no substitute keeper on the bench, Melvin Slight stood adjacent to the 18 yard box assessing the goalkeeper’s state of health as he had taken a knock to the head.
Two goals for the visitors in the space of 12 minutes were not to be attributed to Merson’s injury as long range strikes from Dumebi Dumaka and Lapado became out of context in a game of many woeful misses.
On 27 minutes, Dumaka opened up space for himself, ending a mazy dribble with a cracking 20 yard shot into the bottom corner and after 40 minutes, Lapado took a cross from the left to bury another 20 yarder past Merson.
The second half was an entertaining affair as Tonbridge, to their credit, set about the task of repairing the damage. They were quickly offered the opportunity to half the deficit with the award of a spot kick when Tom Parkinson was fouled in the box. Tommy Whitnell shrugged off the request from top scorer Billy Medlock to take the penalty but his attempt was a perfect height for the giant Grays’ keeper, Conor Gough, to turn over the crossbar.
As Tonbridge threw caution to the wind in search of a way back into the game they were being picked off on the counter attack with alarming regularity. In once such attack, Grays’ livewire winger Joao Carlos, with Merson grounded, dispatched the ball into the prone goalkeeper’s hands from a yard away.
Carlos, then hit a post, before Tonbridge scored to get themselves back into game. A run and pinpoint cross from James Folkes down the right found Parkinson, whose volley gave even the man mountain no chance.
The hosts certainly rode their luck as on a two further occasions the Essex side hit a post whilst Medlock clipped the bar and Chris Piper shot narrowly wide as the time ebbed away.
A great afternoon’s entertainment and when Tonbridge pass through the Dartford Tunnel in February for the return fixture we can hope for more of the same. If nothing else, we will know which county we are in!
Tonbridge (0) 1 Parkinson 71
Grays Athletic (2) 2 Dumaka 28, Lapado 40
Att. 429
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 36/2,301
Match Report
Those Kent cup fixtures were played during the late 1960s and early 1970s, if they have happened in the last five years then Grays' geographic displacement could be understood as they have led a nomadic life since the demise of their Recreation Ground. They presently play their home fixtures at Aveley, but also have played at East Thurrock and Romford in that time.
Grays Athletic were one of the top non-league teams in the country back in 2005 winning the FA Trophy in successive years under the stewardship of Mark Stimson, who, of course, went on to have an up and down managerial career at Gillingham. My memory of Grays at the Recreation Ground was a pre-season friendly with Gillingham that ended in a 1-0 defeat for the League club with the goal a thumping header from a certain Danny Kedwell.
Today’s game was played in unseasonable October weather with the temperature rising above 21degC but with dark clouds circling above Longmead threatening a downpour that materialised as a brief shower midway through the first half.
The first 20 minutes took a good deal longer with three lengthy stoppages, two of which being the Tonbridge physio attending their goalkeeper, Kyle Merson, after a collision with Freddie Lapado. With no substitute keeper on the bench, Melvin Slight stood adjacent to the 18 yard box assessing the goalkeeper’s state of health as he had taken a knock to the head.
Two goals for the visitors in the space of 12 minutes were not to be attributed to Merson’s injury as long range strikes from Dumebi Dumaka and Lapado became out of context in a game of many woeful misses.
On 27 minutes, Dumaka opened up space for himself, ending a mazy dribble with a cracking 20 yard shot into the bottom corner and after 40 minutes, Lapado took a cross from the left to bury another 20 yarder past Merson.
The second half was an entertaining affair as Tonbridge, to their credit, set about the task of repairing the damage. They were quickly offered the opportunity to half the deficit with the award of a spot kick when Tom Parkinson was fouled in the box. Tommy Whitnell shrugged off the request from top scorer Billy Medlock to take the penalty but his attempt was a perfect height for the giant Grays’ keeper, Conor Gough, to turn over the crossbar.
As Tonbridge threw caution to the wind in search of a way back into the game they were being picked off on the counter attack with alarming regularity. In once such attack, Grays’ livewire winger Joao Carlos, with Merson grounded, dispatched the ball into the prone goalkeeper’s hands from a yard away.
Carlos, then hit a post, before Tonbridge scored to get themselves back into game. A run and pinpoint cross from James Folkes down the right found Parkinson, whose volley gave even the man mountain no chance.
The hosts certainly rode their luck as on a two further occasions the Essex side hit a post whilst Medlock clipped the bar and Chris Piper shot narrowly wide as the time ebbed away.
A great afternoon’s entertainment and when Tonbridge pass through the Dartford Tunnel in February for the return fixture we can hope for more of the same. If nothing else, we will know which county we are in!
Thursday, 9 October 2014
Tonbridge 2 Chatham Town 1
Match 30/14/1139 - Tuesday, 7th October 2014 - Ryman League Cup 1R
Tonbridge (2) 2 Knight (o.g.) 38 Teniola 45
Chatham Town (0) 1 Kaffo 66
Att. 182
Entrance: £4 Senior
Programme: £0.50
Mileage: 34/2,175
Match Report
The Isthmian League management might not appreciate their Cup competition being treated as a trialling ground for fringe players, reserves and youngsters but, in common with the competitions of the Football League through to the Kent League, this is the way it is, particularly in the early rounds. As much as it gives the management the opportunity to watch players that he doesn’t see on a week-to-week basis, the same can be said for the supporters.
From a Tonbridge point of view, a few players showed potential and, getting on an old hobby horse, proved to me that the first team should never have to go into a fixture with a less than full bench as there were players on view that could, at the barest minimum fulfil that role. Charlie Slocombe has made the odd appearance and served time on the bench gave an accomplished performance and although James Steel in goal might lack a few inches in height, he made some good saves at important times. But the eye-catching performance of the night came from Jack Brivio, who looked comfortable on the ball at all times.
For their part, Chatham who have lost the services of the man I stalked last season (!) Alfie May, who is now at Erith and Belvedere but recently trialled at Crewe Alexandra and Ade Yussuf, who has made his way into league football at Dagenham, they appear to have unearthed another rough diamond in Junior Kaffo.
The teams traded early efforts on goal that were comfortably dealt with by the respective goalkeepers before Chatham twice created one-on-one situations that were both saved with the legs of Steel. The visitors were made to pay for those misses with Tonbridge scoring twice in the last ten minutes of the half to give themselves a slightly flattering half time lead.
In the 37th minute, Slocombe crossed from the right towards Owen Kabodi at the near post, from where Lewis Knight, attempting to intercept the cross, sliced the ball into his own net.
A second pin-point cross from Slocombe, in first half injury time, found the unmarked Alex Teniola, who planted a firm header past Tom Welham to double the score.
Tonbridge lost one of their first team regulars, Ben King, to an injury which was bad enough for a stretcher to be called and the suspicion would be that it could be a lengthy time on the sidelines.
Kaffo, who had looked an impressive handful all evening, pulled a goal back for the Chats with 25 minutes remaining when he finished from Greg Benbow’s pulled back cross.
Tonbridge saw out time with relative comfort with perhaps the highlight of the second half, a pantomime moment in which Welham, collecting a back pass on the edge of his area, saw his clearance charged down by Kabodi. As the ball looped into the air, the Chatham keeper failed to collect the ball on three occasions before being bailed out by a defender heading to safety.
This wasn’t a great game and, with temperatures dipping for the first cold evening of the season, the final whistle was greeted with relief that no extra time would be necessary to find a winner. Tonbridge earn a visit to Ramsgate in the next round.
Tonbridge (2) 2 Knight (o.g.) 38 Teniola 45
Chatham Town (0) 1 Kaffo 66
Att. 182
Entrance: £4 Senior
Programme: £0.50
Mileage: 34/2,175
Match Report
From a Tonbridge point of view, a few players showed potential and, getting on an old hobby horse, proved to me that the first team should never have to go into a fixture with a less than full bench as there were players on view that could, at the barest minimum fulfil that role. Charlie Slocombe has made the odd appearance and served time on the bench gave an accomplished performance and although James Steel in goal might lack a few inches in height, he made some good saves at important times. But the eye-catching performance of the night came from Jack Brivio, who looked comfortable on the ball at all times.
For their part, Chatham who have lost the services of the man I stalked last season (!) Alfie May, who is now at Erith and Belvedere but recently trialled at Crewe Alexandra and Ade Yussuf, who has made his way into league football at Dagenham, they appear to have unearthed another rough diamond in Junior Kaffo.
The teams traded early efforts on goal that were comfortably dealt with by the respective goalkeepers before Chatham twice created one-on-one situations that were both saved with the legs of Steel. The visitors were made to pay for those misses with Tonbridge scoring twice in the last ten minutes of the half to give themselves a slightly flattering half time lead.
In the 37th minute, Slocombe crossed from the right towards Owen Kabodi at the near post, from where Lewis Knight, attempting to intercept the cross, sliced the ball into his own net.
A second pin-point cross from Slocombe, in first half injury time, found the unmarked Alex Teniola, who planted a firm header past Tom Welham to double the score.
Tonbridge lost one of their first team regulars, Ben King, to an injury which was bad enough for a stretcher to be called and the suspicion would be that it could be a lengthy time on the sidelines.
Kaffo, who had looked an impressive handful all evening, pulled a goal back for the Chats with 25 minutes remaining when he finished from Greg Benbow’s pulled back cross.
Tonbridge saw out time with relative comfort with perhaps the highlight of the second half, a pantomime moment in which Welham, collecting a back pass on the edge of his area, saw his clearance charged down by Kabodi. As the ball looped into the air, the Chatham keeper failed to collect the ball on three occasions before being bailed out by a defender heading to safety.
This wasn’t a great game and, with temperatures dipping for the first cold evening of the season, the final whistle was greeted with relief that no extra time would be necessary to find a winner. Tonbridge earn a visit to Ramsgate in the next round.
Sunday, 5 October 2014
Tonbridge 2 Hampton & Richmond Borough 0
Match 29/14/1138 - Saturday, 4th October 2014 - Ryman Premier
Tonbridge (0) 2 Medlock 53,78
Hampton & Richmond Borough (0) 0
Att. 381
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2.00
Mileage: 34/2,141
Match Report
A first time as a member of the Prawn Sandwich brigade was not entirely successful . . . there wasn’t any prawn sandwiches! But everything else about the day, from the welcome to the result, was greatly appreciated.
Last season, with Tonbridge under the management of Tommy Warrilow, the relationship between the club and the unofficial forum was less than cordial. Poor results and a style of football that wasn’t pleasing on the eye brought negative viewpoints posted that, on occasions, were perhaps too personal, particularly with reference to Warrilow. For somebody who supposedly didn’t read the forum he took a great deal of offence and there were statements from within the club that the criticism wasn’t helping matters.
With the subsequent relegation and change of management, a forum member thought that the sponsoring of a match by forum members would go some way to repairing the damage in relations. And this was how we came to be the Keyboard Warriors in search of prawn sandwiches! As it was, the forum virtually repaired itself as the new management brought a renewed sense of positivity and, albeit in a lower division, a better style of football has brought encouragement from members despite the inconsistent nature of results.
We always knew that our choice of man of the match would be difficult given 10 different opinions but the ultimate choice of the two goal match winner, Billy Medlock, brought some humorous banter towards the group leader as no-one was actually owning up to voting for him!
The game was the archetypal one of two halves each as different as the weather they were played in. In the first, in pouring rain, Tonbridge struggled to find any momentum but, as the rain ceased for the second half, they dominated the game and found a couple of goals to win the game.
Hampton started the game brightly with speedy winger, Jerome Federico to the fore. Kyle Merson made a sprawling save at the feet of an attacker and the looping ball resulting from the challenge needed clearing from the line by James Folkes. The giant Moussa Diara then found himself the man over at the far post but ballooned his shot high over the bar.
It took 30 minutes before Tonbridge started to get a foothold in the game, but in the last 15 minutes of the half created three good chances to open the scoring. Dee Okojie badly pulled a clear shooting chance wide and then took a touch too many having been set free by Chris Piper. On the stroke of half-time the Hampton keeper saved at the feet of Medlock.
The rain turned to bright sunshine in the second half with the hosts continuing the momentum gained at the end of the first period. Hampton had an effort cleared from the line before Medlock opened the scoring on 53 minutes. Folkes crossed from the right to the head of Tommy Whitnall, whose goalward header was turned in by Medlock, stealing in from behind a defender.
Medlock made the game safe 12 minutes from time with his 14th of the season. A long ball from Tom Parkinson was spilt by the Hampton keeper a long sway from his line and Medlock pounced to score from a tight angle.
The Executive Lounge was a happy place as presentations were made from the Ryman League for performance of the month, the win over that lot from the county town and Medlock's man of the match. It was good of chairman, Steve Churcher, to spend some time and explain where the club is regarding the community club status. Now, where are those prawn sandwiches.
Tonbridge (0) 2 Medlock 53,78
Hampton & Richmond Borough (0) 0
Att. 381
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2.00
Mileage: 34/2,141
Match Report
Last season, with Tonbridge under the management of Tommy Warrilow, the relationship between the club and the unofficial forum was less than cordial. Poor results and a style of football that wasn’t pleasing on the eye brought negative viewpoints posted that, on occasions, were perhaps too personal, particularly with reference to Warrilow. For somebody who supposedly didn’t read the forum he took a great deal of offence and there were statements from within the club that the criticism wasn’t helping matters.
With the subsequent relegation and change of management, a forum member thought that the sponsoring of a match by forum members would go some way to repairing the damage in relations. And this was how we came to be the Keyboard Warriors in search of prawn sandwiches! As it was, the forum virtually repaired itself as the new management brought a renewed sense of positivity and, albeit in a lower division, a better style of football has brought encouragement from members despite the inconsistent nature of results.
We always knew that our choice of man of the match would be difficult given 10 different opinions but the ultimate choice of the two goal match winner, Billy Medlock, brought some humorous banter towards the group leader as no-one was actually owning up to voting for him!
The game was the archetypal one of two halves each as different as the weather they were played in. In the first, in pouring rain, Tonbridge struggled to find any momentum but, as the rain ceased for the second half, they dominated the game and found a couple of goals to win the game.
Hampton started the game brightly with speedy winger, Jerome Federico to the fore. Kyle Merson made a sprawling save at the feet of an attacker and the looping ball resulting from the challenge needed clearing from the line by James Folkes. The giant Moussa Diara then found himself the man over at the far post but ballooned his shot high over the bar.
It took 30 minutes before Tonbridge started to get a foothold in the game, but in the last 15 minutes of the half created three good chances to open the scoring. Dee Okojie badly pulled a clear shooting chance wide and then took a touch too many having been set free by Chris Piper. On the stroke of half-time the Hampton keeper saved at the feet of Medlock.
The rain turned to bright sunshine in the second half with the hosts continuing the momentum gained at the end of the first period. Hampton had an effort cleared from the line before Medlock opened the scoring on 53 minutes. Folkes crossed from the right to the head of Tommy Whitnall, whose goalward header was turned in by Medlock, stealing in from behind a defender.
Medlock made the game safe 12 minutes from time with his 14th of the season. A long ball from Tom Parkinson was spilt by the Hampton keeper a long sway from his line and Medlock pounced to score from a tight angle.
The Executive Lounge was a happy place as presentations were made from the Ryman League for performance of the month, the win over that lot from the county town and Medlock's man of the match. It was good of chairman, Steve Churcher, to spend some time and explain where the club is regarding the community club status. Now, where are those prawn sandwiches.
Wednesday, 17 September 2014
Tonbridge 4 Canvey Island 1
Match 22/14/1131 - Tuesday, 9th September 2014 - Ryman Premier
Tonbridge (1) 4 Medlock 26,90 Okojie 45, Tweddell 53
Canvey Island (1) 1 Osubo 22
Att. 343
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 34/1,634
Match Report
A corner has been turned . . . they were the words I used on Twitter after this exhilarating performance from Tonbridge Angels, a team that are not suddenly going to take the Ryman Premier League by a storm, but are showing a steady improvement with every game played.
If there has been one player that has caught the eye more than most it would be Dee Okojie. The fleet-footed winger has delighted and frustrated in equal measure, but a stunning goal and an energetic display would have won over some of his harsher critics frustrated at his lack of an end product. It was rumoured, that from the touchline, the Canvey Island manager offered him a substantial amount to sign for the Essex club, a figure that went up every time he turned one of his defenders inside-out.
After a quiet opening period, the Islanders opened the scoring after 22 minutes in which Tonbridge had just about held sway. A Tonbridge corner was cleared and with a single pass, Victor Osubo rounded Kyle Merson to score into an empty net. With the benefit of hindsight, the Tonbridge ‘keeper should almost certainly have stayed at home, but faced with the one-on-one situation it was a decision he had to make.
Tonbridge hit back quickly, Okojie scampering down the right, crossed for Billy Medlock to steady himself before shooting past the Canvey keeper.
On the stroke of half-time, Okojie produced a moment of magic that will live long in the memory of the Tonbridge faithful. Seizing upon a loose ball in midfield, he danced past a couple of tackles before, from 25 yards, let fly with a shot into the top corner.
After six minutes of the second period, Danzelle St Louis-Hamilton was asked the same question as Merson had been asked in the first half. He, also, made the choice of leaving his line but this time with no chance of getting to the ball before Harrison Tweddell, who lifted the ball over the keeper and into the unguarded net.
Tonbridge were now in complete control and Medlock was denied after an exciting run and pass from full back Jack Parter, but the in-form striker was on hand to touch home his second of the game and fifth in three games to complete an impressive performance from Steve McKimm’s side in the final minute.
I’m off to Barcelona in the morning, I wonder if Lionel Messi has the tricks of Dee Okojie?
Tonbridge (1) 4 Medlock 26,90 Okojie 45, Tweddell 53
Canvey Island (1) 1 Osubo 22
Att. 343
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 34/1,634
Match Report
If there has been one player that has caught the eye more than most it would be Dee Okojie. The fleet-footed winger has delighted and frustrated in equal measure, but a stunning goal and an energetic display would have won over some of his harsher critics frustrated at his lack of an end product. It was rumoured, that from the touchline, the Canvey Island manager offered him a substantial amount to sign for the Essex club, a figure that went up every time he turned one of his defenders inside-out.
After a quiet opening period, the Islanders opened the scoring after 22 minutes in which Tonbridge had just about held sway. A Tonbridge corner was cleared and with a single pass, Victor Osubo rounded Kyle Merson to score into an empty net. With the benefit of hindsight, the Tonbridge ‘keeper should almost certainly have stayed at home, but faced with the one-on-one situation it was a decision he had to make.
Tonbridge hit back quickly, Okojie scampering down the right, crossed for Billy Medlock to steady himself before shooting past the Canvey keeper.
On the stroke of half-time, Okojie produced a moment of magic that will live long in the memory of the Tonbridge faithful. Seizing upon a loose ball in midfield, he danced past a couple of tackles before, from 25 yards, let fly with a shot into the top corner.
After six minutes of the second period, Danzelle St Louis-Hamilton was asked the same question as Merson had been asked in the first half. He, also, made the choice of leaving his line but this time with no chance of getting to the ball before Harrison Tweddell, who lifted the ball over the keeper and into the unguarded net.
Tonbridge were now in complete control and Medlock was denied after an exciting run and pass from full back Jack Parter, but the in-form striker was on hand to touch home his second of the game and fifth in three games to complete an impressive performance from Steve McKimm’s side in the final minute.
I’m off to Barcelona in the morning, I wonder if Lionel Messi has the tricks of Dee Okojie?
Wednesday, 27 August 2014
Tonbridge 1 Maidstone United 0
Match 17/14/1126 - Monday, 25th August 2014 - Ryman Premier
Tonbridge (0) 1 Teniola 90
Maidstone United (0) 0
Att. 1,168
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2.00
Mileage: 34/1,077
Match Report
As the final whistle sounded, soaked through to the skin by the incessant rain, if somebody had told me that I would have to stand there for another 90 minutes to ensure the result that I had witnessed I would have happily done so.
Whether your derby is in North London, Manchester, Liverpool or the A26, the passion remains the same with the local bragging rights on offer. The Merseyside fixture may have the reputation as a friendly derby, but in general, the respective club’s supporters don’t much like each other and a special hostility is reserved for players that move from one local rival to another.
For the first time, in a league fixture, the trio of players that left Tonbridge Angels for the greener plastic at the other end of the A26, lined up in the amber and black of Maidstone United against their old employers. Much has changed at Longmead since Frannie Collin and Lee Worgan left the club two years ago with Sonny Miles following this summer.
Players, who make these moves, either way, are always going to be the subject of a certain amount of light-hearted banter (!) and they should be professional enough to ignore any abuse directed at them. Tonbridge supporters knew they could get at Miles and extract a reaction and Sonny was quick to oblige. Referring back to the not-so secret amount of money that was on offer to sign for Maidstone, he made gestures symbolising his new-found wealth and when he slipped on the obviously wet surface, he proclaimed that Longmead was a sh*thole.
Following Saturday’s defeat at Finchley, I feared for Tonbridge with Maidstone extending their opening run of victories to five with a home win against Bury Town. A first look at the team sheet did nothing to diminish my fears. A back four cobbled together with a full back playing in the centre and a left back playing right back and, as Saturday, a bench that could only muster four substitutes.
An hour before kick-off, space in the car park was already like finding a needle in a haystack and, once inside Longmead, behind both goals there was a large concentration of supporters from the county town.
An early opportunity fell the way of the hosts and nearly left their ex-goalkeeper red-faced. Worgan had his clearance charged down by Billy Medlock but the resulting angle was too acute and the striker’s effort only found the side-netting.
Action both ends of the pitch led to Maidstone’s first, and probably best, opportunity to open the scoring. Tonbridge claimed a penalty after Alex Flisher’s challenge on James Folkes but, with that turned away, James Roger’s clearance found Collin in the clear capitalising on a slip by Jack Parter, but the ex-Tonbridge goal machine dragged his shot wide, much to the relief, and derision, of the home support.
Maidstone exerted a short period of pressure with a succession of corners but the half wound its way to its conclusion with shots from both sides that were not too far wide but also not stretching either goalkeeper.
The second half was one of attrition with the battle being fought in the middle of the field where the two Parkinson brothers, Tom and Jack, faced each other for the first time. Tonbridge had an early chance with Tommy Whitnell shooting wide whilst the ever-dangerous Flisher flashed in a cross that begged a connection that wasn’t forthcoming for the visitors.
At the point in the game where substitutions are made, the relative strengths of the respective benches were apparent as Maidstone brought on experience with Tonbridge having only teenagers at their disposal.
As the game moved towards what seemed an inevitable goalless draw, my own thoughts were that, at any time from leaving home to this rain sodden 90th minute, I would have taken a point with great pleasure. As Tom Parkinson received the ball on the right hand side, my only desire was that he retained it and wound down the clock, but his pass inside to Flavio Tavares saw the youngster run at a defender on the edge of the box whose tackle took the ball away from Tavares but found its way to the right foot of Alex Teniola. A shot on the turn went in off the post with the aid of a slight deflection, and mighty irony, off Sonny Miles to the delight of the Tonbridge faithful who had found their voice once they had an end of their own.
At the season’s end, Maidstone’s resources will, almost certainly, result in a higher finishing position than their neighbours, although they looked a long way short of a promotion-winning side on this performance. But derby day wins are not always decided by the size of the boardroom wallet, they require passion, a desire to play for the shirt and, on this occasion, those attributes found Tonbridge Angels the richer of the local rivals.
Tonbridge (0) 1 Teniola 90
Maidstone United (0) 0
Att. 1,168
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2.00
Mileage: 34/1,077
Match Report
Whether your derby is in North London, Manchester, Liverpool or the A26, the passion remains the same with the local bragging rights on offer. The Merseyside fixture may have the reputation as a friendly derby, but in general, the respective club’s supporters don’t much like each other and a special hostility is reserved for players that move from one local rival to another.
For the first time, in a league fixture, the trio of players that left Tonbridge Angels for the greener plastic at the other end of the A26, lined up in the amber and black of Maidstone United against their old employers. Much has changed at Longmead since Frannie Collin and Lee Worgan left the club two years ago with Sonny Miles following this summer.
Players, who make these moves, either way, are always going to be the subject of a certain amount of light-hearted banter (!) and they should be professional enough to ignore any abuse directed at them. Tonbridge supporters knew they could get at Miles and extract a reaction and Sonny was quick to oblige. Referring back to the not-so secret amount of money that was on offer to sign for Maidstone, he made gestures symbolising his new-found wealth and when he slipped on the obviously wet surface, he proclaimed that Longmead was a sh*thole.
Following Saturday’s defeat at Finchley, I feared for Tonbridge with Maidstone extending their opening run of victories to five with a home win against Bury Town. A first look at the team sheet did nothing to diminish my fears. A back four cobbled together with a full back playing in the centre and a left back playing right back and, as Saturday, a bench that could only muster four substitutes.
An hour before kick-off, space in the car park was already like finding a needle in a haystack and, once inside Longmead, behind both goals there was a large concentration of supporters from the county town.
An early opportunity fell the way of the hosts and nearly left their ex-goalkeeper red-faced. Worgan had his clearance charged down by Billy Medlock but the resulting angle was too acute and the striker’s effort only found the side-netting.
Action both ends of the pitch led to Maidstone’s first, and probably best, opportunity to open the scoring. Tonbridge claimed a penalty after Alex Flisher’s challenge on James Folkes but, with that turned away, James Roger’s clearance found Collin in the clear capitalising on a slip by Jack Parter, but the ex-Tonbridge goal machine dragged his shot wide, much to the relief, and derision, of the home support.
Maidstone exerted a short period of pressure with a succession of corners but the half wound its way to its conclusion with shots from both sides that were not too far wide but also not stretching either goalkeeper.
The second half was one of attrition with the battle being fought in the middle of the field where the two Parkinson brothers, Tom and Jack, faced each other for the first time. Tonbridge had an early chance with Tommy Whitnell shooting wide whilst the ever-dangerous Flisher flashed in a cross that begged a connection that wasn’t forthcoming for the visitors.
At the point in the game where substitutions are made, the relative strengths of the respective benches were apparent as Maidstone brought on experience with Tonbridge having only teenagers at their disposal.
As the game moved towards what seemed an inevitable goalless draw, my own thoughts were that, at any time from leaving home to this rain sodden 90th minute, I would have taken a point with great pleasure. As Tom Parkinson received the ball on the right hand side, my only desire was that he retained it and wound down the clock, but his pass inside to Flavio Tavares saw the youngster run at a defender on the edge of the box whose tackle took the ball away from Tavares but found its way to the right foot of Alex Teniola. A shot on the turn went in off the post with the aid of a slight deflection, and mighty irony, off Sonny Miles to the delight of the Tonbridge faithful who had found their voice once they had an end of their own.
At the season’s end, Maidstone’s resources will, almost certainly, result in a higher finishing position than their neighbours, although they looked a long way short of a promotion-winning side on this performance. But derby day wins are not always decided by the size of the boardroom wallet, they require passion, a desire to play for the shirt and, on this occasion, those attributes found Tonbridge Angels the richer of the local rivals.
Saturday, 26 July 2014
Tonbridge 1 Stevenage 3
Match 05/14/1114 - Tuesday, 22nd July 2014 - Pre-Season Friendly
Tonbridge (0) 1 Tweddell 53
Stevenage (1) 3 Triallist 33, Dembele 55, Bond 75
Att. 252
Entrance: £4 Senior
Programme: 50p
Mileage: 34/222
Match Report
Pre-season is a strange time watching football. As supporters we have to believe that when the manager says that results are of no consequence, it is all about fitness, shape, etc., that the professional way of thinking is the right way. So we look at performances that are encouraging but sadly end in defeat and accept it as part of the phoney war.
And so it is with Tonbridge Angels. A fresh start has seen the new manager and a complete squad of new faces on the pitch perform encouragingly with a win and two defeats against opposition from higher levels, but nobody quite knows exactly where we are in the scheme of the new season.
Against Football League opposition in the shape of Stevenage, Tonbridge, for the most part, gave a good account of themselves. In midfield they had the outstanding player on the pitch in Harry Harding and scored a beautifully crafted goal but they also conceded a couple of poor goals from set pieces.
In the Stevenage side was Charlie Lee following his transfer from Gillingham this summer and the combative midfielder gave the Longmead audience a glimpse of why he picked up in access of 10 bookings a season whilst at Priestfield with a couple of mistimed challenges. However, it was from one of his trademark long throws, headed home by a Stevenage triallist that gave the visitors the lead after 33 minutes. It was an unnecessary goal from Steve McKimm’s point of view and the Tonbridge manager will be hoping that in the weeks to come, Kyle Merson in the Tonbridge goal will be coming and collecting the ball in these situations.
Early in the second half Tonbridge equalised with a goal of real quality. Nathan Campbell found Harding on the left hand side who held the ball waiting for the overlap of full back Ben King whose cross to the edge of the penalty area was met with a curling shot into the top corner from Harrison Tweddell.
Another set piece undid the home defence a couple of minutes later when a corner was headed on and Bira Dembele was on hand at the far post to tuck away an easy chance.
Fifteen minutes remained when Stevenage put the game beyond doubt when Andrew Bond was on hand to tap in after Merson had made a fine save to deny an Adam Marriott header.
The game offered plenty of plus points for Tonbridge and it doesn’t take a professional’s eye to formulate the opinion that McKimm, whilst having plenty of work to do, is moving this group in the right direction.
Tonbridge (0) 1 Tweddell 53
Stevenage (1) 3 Triallist 33, Dembele 55, Bond 75
Att. 252
Entrance: £4 Senior
Programme: 50p
Mileage: 34/222
Match Report
And so it is with Tonbridge Angels. A fresh start has seen the new manager and a complete squad of new faces on the pitch perform encouragingly with a win and two defeats against opposition from higher levels, but nobody quite knows exactly where we are in the scheme of the new season.
In the Stevenage side was Charlie Lee following his transfer from Gillingham this summer and the combative midfielder gave the Longmead audience a glimpse of why he picked up in access of 10 bookings a season whilst at Priestfield with a couple of mistimed challenges. However, it was from one of his trademark long throws, headed home by a Stevenage triallist that gave the visitors the lead after 33 minutes. It was an unnecessary goal from Steve McKimm’s point of view and the Tonbridge manager will be hoping that in the weeks to come, Kyle Merson in the Tonbridge goal will be coming and collecting the ball in these situations.
Early in the second half Tonbridge equalised with a goal of real quality. Nathan Campbell found Harding on the left hand side who held the ball waiting for the overlap of full back Ben King whose cross to the edge of the penalty area was met with a curling shot into the top corner from Harrison Tweddell.
Another set piece undid the home defence a couple of minutes later when a corner was headed on and Bira Dembele was on hand at the far post to tuck away an easy chance.
Fifteen minutes remained when Stevenage put the game beyond doubt when Andrew Bond was on hand to tap in after Merson had made a fine save to deny an Adam Marriott header.
The game offered plenty of plus points for Tonbridge and it doesn’t take a professional’s eye to formulate the opinion that McKimm, whilst having plenty of work to do, is moving this group in the right direction.
Wednesday, 16 July 2014
Tonbridge 0 Dover Athletic 2
Match 03/14/1112 - Tuesday, 15th July 2014 - Pre-Season Friendly
Tonbridge (0) 0
Dover Athletic (0) 2 Elder 61, Reid 89 (pen)
Att. 252
Entrance: £4 Senior
Programme: 50p
Mileage: 34/112
Match Report
Steve McKimm’s opening night at Longmead ended in defeat but he would surely have taken heart from a first half performance that matched that of their Conference Premier opponents.
A second eleven contested the second period and, naturally enough, Dover held control and scored a couple of goals to ease to a pre-season victory against their erstwhile rivals who now find themselves two divisions below them.
McKimm let it be known that the first half team is the one he considers his strongest with the players at his disposal at this present time. The back line of James Folks, Jerome Sobers, Jon Heath and Ben King dealt admirably with the threat of Nathan Elder, Barry Cogan and Tom Murphy restricting them to a couple of efforts that didn’t overly trouble Kyle Merson between the Tonbridge sticks.
In midfield, Harry Harding, Tom Parkinson and Lee Carey all impressed with their hard work and interchangeability whilst Dee Okojie showed that he has a few tricks in his bag. Upfront, the concern would be that, for all their endeavour, Billy Medlock and Tommy Whitnall looked rather lightweight but consideration should be given that they are not going to face the strength of Sean Raggett and Richard Orlu on a weekly basis.
The readily apparent concern is the lack of height throughout the team. Owen Kabodi played the second half upfront and Troy Ferguson and Nathan Campbell in midfield and offered a few extra inches, but the latter two are presently not Tonbridge players, although Kabodi was a reserve team player last season.
In the second half, when the Tonbridge back line comprised of three 18-year-olds and a 19-year-old, it was Dover substitute Ricky Modeste that always looked the likely candidate to break the deadlock. Just after the hour mark, he stood up a cross to the far post where Elder did what he has being doing for years and converted with a header. Although the pressure for a second goal was constant, Tonbridge just about held firm until the final minute when substitute goalkeeper, James Steel, brought down Matt Locke leaving Jake Reid to score from the spot.
Abidemi Bolaji, another from last season’s reserve team, showed some nice touches in his second half spell.
With the next couple of friendlies being against Eastbourne Borough from the Conference and Stevenage from League Two, it may be that we need to see the Ramsgate friendly to truly assess where McKimm’s side are in terms of quality. But, on the evidence of last night, the fitness levels are good and the desire is more apparent than at the end of last season. Somewhere, though, a bit of muscle and a few extra inches are very much needed.
Tonbridge (0) 0
Dover Athletic (0) 2 Elder 61, Reid 89 (pen)
Att. 252
Entrance: £4 Senior
Programme: 50p
Mileage: 34/112
Match Report
A second eleven contested the second period and, naturally enough, Dover held control and scored a couple of goals to ease to a pre-season victory against their erstwhile rivals who now find themselves two divisions below them.
In midfield, Harry Harding, Tom Parkinson and Lee Carey all impressed with their hard work and interchangeability whilst Dee Okojie showed that he has a few tricks in his bag. Upfront, the concern would be that, for all their endeavour, Billy Medlock and Tommy Whitnall looked rather lightweight but consideration should be given that they are not going to face the strength of Sean Raggett and Richard Orlu on a weekly basis.
The readily apparent concern is the lack of height throughout the team. Owen Kabodi played the second half upfront and Troy Ferguson and Nathan Campbell in midfield and offered a few extra inches, but the latter two are presently not Tonbridge players, although Kabodi was a reserve team player last season.
In the second half, when the Tonbridge back line comprised of three 18-year-olds and a 19-year-old, it was Dover substitute Ricky Modeste that always looked the likely candidate to break the deadlock. Just after the hour mark, he stood up a cross to the far post where Elder did what he has being doing for years and converted with a header. Although the pressure for a second goal was constant, Tonbridge just about held firm until the final minute when substitute goalkeeper, James Steel, brought down Matt Locke leaving Jake Reid to score from the spot.
Abidemi Bolaji, another from last season’s reserve team, showed some nice touches in his second half spell.
With the next couple of friendlies being against Eastbourne Borough from the Conference and Stevenage from League Two, it may be that we need to see the Ramsgate friendly to truly assess where McKimm’s side are in terms of quality. But, on the evidence of last night, the fitness levels are good and the desire is more apparent than at the end of last season. Somewhere, though, a bit of muscle and a few extra inches are very much needed.
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