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| Tuesday, 29 October, 2002: Dr Martens League Cup First Round. Tonbridge Angels 1-2 Welling United (aet) When the teams met at the same stage of this competition last season, it was the Wings who were put to flight by a 2-1 scoreline. This time round it was the Angels turn to fall at the first hurdle, Our Premier Division opponents just getting the edge after extra time in a highly entertaining, see-saw cup tie which saw the first-team debuts of central defender John Beales and Under-18's striker Luke Piscina. Piscina in particular got into the game quickly, being involved in all the Angels moves as they applied good pressure in the early going. The Wings weren't quiet for long however, going close themselves as the pace and trickery of Nade and Sodje caused the Angels defence problems. Portway lifted the ball over the bar from point-blank range after Piscina had flicked on a free kick, then Beales went agonisingly close for Tonbridge, heading a free kick onto the inside of the post and watching helplessly as the ball rolled along the line and spun out for a goal kick. A Briggs through ball caused havoc in the Wings defence on 40 minutes, but neither Azzopardi nor Portway could convert with Knight scrambling. The Angels finished the half the stronger, with Knight plunging to his right to turn away a Portway header. Welling took the lead on 47 minutes, the speedy Nade adjudged to be tripped as he surged into the area. There were no protests from the Angels defenders, and James Virgo stepped up to blast the spot kick past Lewis. Tonbridge hit back eight minutes later, Piscina celebrating a fine debut with a cool right-foot finish beyond Knight. On 79 minutes, Lewis raced from his area to tackle Sodje who was clean through. With both men needing attention, referee Bottomer (having blown for a foul against Lewis) showed the Angels 'keeper a yellow card instead of the expected red when play resumed. At the other end, Piscina put Portway in for a great chance but the Angels striker pulled his shot wide. With extra time beckoning, Welling sub Paul Lorraine put a free header wide with Lewis nowhere. The Wings gradually gained the upper hand in the overtime period, Sodje and Nade having good efforts before Hogg somehow managed to head Dave Powell's cross wide with the goal at his mercy. The Angels reprieve was short-lived though. On 106 minutes, Danny Tingley's misplaced pass was intercepted by Billy Burgess, whose through ball was hammered home from 15 yards by ex-Luton man Dean Standen for the winner. Despite the loss, the Angels can take a great deal of credit from a committed, attacking performance which only just came up short. Report by: Big Tone |
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