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| Saturday, 4 October, 2003: Dr Martens League Eastern Division. Tonbridge Angels 1-0 Dartford The Angels' exciting start continued in winning vein, watched by a season-high 628 at Longmead. Lynden Rowland's first half goal was enough to account for Dartford in this somewhat insipid West Kent Derby. Tonbridge selected from a near full-strength squad. Tony Dolby retained his place at the back, and Sam Tydeman took the captain's armband in place of Peter Overton who started on the bench. Former Angels star Danny Tingley, now in Dartford colours, received a warm welcome back to Longmead. Danny made over 450 appearances for Tonbridge before joining the Darts in the close season and captained the side in place of another ex-Angels stalwart, the injured Alan "Steam Train" Tutton. Hamid Barr got things off to a promising start with a fine run and shot just past the angle in the Angels opening attack. Chris Tedder headed wide from a free kick for Dartford, then Rowland had a couple of near misses for Tonbridge before putting the Angels ahead in the 28th minute. Andy Larkin headed a corner back across goal and the ball found Rowland, whose shot crossed the line before Tommy Osborne could clear. Rowland and Barr combined neatly soon afterwards, Steve Marriner hacking clear for Dartford after Barr's drive proved too hot for the 'keeper to handle, but both sides were finding it difficult to keep possession and Tonbridge were unable to mount any sustained pressure on the Darts defence. The pattern continued through much of the second half, with the Angels creating the better of what chances there were. Larkin missed a great chance to extend the Tonbridge lead, glancing wide when the Darts marking completely failed from a corner. Osborne rescued Dartford a few minutes later, blocking Rowland's shot after the Angels striker had rounded stand-in goalkeeper Robert O'Hara - then Marriner nearly equalised for the visitors, nodding just wide after Steve Robinson headed a far-post corner back across the Angels goalmouth. A Barr shot flashed past the diving O'Hara - and the post - following a rare moment of fluency from Tonbridge, then sub Brendon Cass fired over the bar after the 'keeper failed to gather another well-struck Barr effort. O'Hara, deputising for the injured Jimmy Simpson, produced a magnificent save on 77 minutes to deny Ray Powell from close range. Ryan Royston's header from the resulting corner shaved the crossbar and the Darts goalie was in action again as time ran out, saving well from Overton at the near post. Both managers used all 3 subs in the second half in an effort to inject some sharpness into their sides. The Angels did enough to merit their win - but Alan Walker's men know that better performances will be required to maintain their challenge through the season. Hamid Barr was instrumental in most of the quality play Tonbridge did produce, and duly won the Angels Man of the Match award from Colin Fry on behalf of Match Sponsors The Alishan Restaurant. Report by: Tony Browne. |
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