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| Saturday, 13 September, 2003: FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round. Tonbridge Angels 1-1 Lewes An 80th minute equaliser, beautifully curled in from 20 yards by Peter Adeniyi, pegged back the Angels and set up Tuesday's replay at the Dripping Pan. Tonbridge were missing Lynden Rowland (family bereavement) and Lloyd Hume (injury); Brendon Cass and Tony Dolby came into the starting eleven as straight positional replacements. Lewes started off the brighter, prompted by the classy Justin Harris in midfield. Dwain Clarke and Mark Whiteman had early sighters for the visitors before Jamie Turner was forced into action with a diving grab of Clarke's 25-yarder. Adeniyi headed over from 12 yards as the Angels defence had to work hard to keep the Rooks at bay. Tonbridge gradually managed to assert themselves in midfield and create more opportunities of their own. Ray Powell's snapshot flew wide on the half-hour, and "Razor" was just wide again a few minutes later, sparking a fast and furious ten minutes before the break. Junior Kadi spurned a half-chance for Lewes after Andy Larkin had blocked Peter Kennett's fierce drive, but Tonbridge came straight back and almost scored. Nick Barnes put in a fine cross from the right which just eluded Cass in front of goal. The ball was whipped back across and Powell was just off target again in the ensuing scramble. Hamid Barr, Powell and Craig Roser got in further efforts for Tonbridge and the half ended with Roser doing well to clear a dangerous cross from Clarke at the far post. The pace dropped a little at the start of the second half. Rooks 'keeper Dominique Jean-Zepherin kept out a Cass effort with his feet, then Ahmet Suleymanoglu came close twice for Lewes before Tonbridge took the lead 20 minutes from time. Powell picked up the ball on the right, carried it past two defenders into the area and appeared to be clipped as he turned inside another. Referee Magill pointed to the spot despite strong protests from the Lewes defenders, and Barr stepped up to convert. Turner pulled off a fine save from Clarke's well-struck free kick to preserve the Angels lead. Lewes brought leading scorer Luke Fontana into the action from the bench on 78 minutes, and were soon level. Turner plucked skipper Mark Cable's header out of the air, but was powerless a minute later when the Tonbridge defence backed off and allowed Adeniyi time to set himself for the equaliser. Kennett nearly stole it for the Rooks with a thumping drive just inches wide, but a draw was the fairest result on the day. A hard-working and disciplined defensive performance from Craig "Burt" Roser earned him the Angels Man of the Match award from Match Sponsors The Halfway House Pub in Sevenoaks. Ryan Royston also had a fine game at the back and Ray Powell was dangerous as always. Adeniyi, Clarke and Harris were instrumental for Lewes. Report by: Tony Browne |
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