The Angels’ penultimate pre-season outing resulted in a disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of fellow Kent side, Margate. With more games played than their opponents, Tonbridge at one stage looked slightly sharper than their higher division opponents. But as the Conference South side stepped up a gear and expanded their passing game, the Angel’s struggled to put any pressure on youngster Scott Ward’s goal.

The first half saw an equal number of chances for both sides, with Brendon Cass going close for the Angels with numerous efforts including a cheeky lob over the goalkeeper which ended up going about a foot wide. Margate’s chances fell to strikers Rocky Baptiste, Ian Pullman and Greg Oates. Considering that the second period saw a host of substitutes, Tonbridge and Margate both seemed to continue in the same vein that they finished the first half, with flowing football being played all over the park.

It took a masterstroke from Margate manager Chris Kinnear that turned the match entirely. The introduction of John Keister and Moses Jiunjiu was the key to the outcome of the game, as both played influential roles in adding skill to the former Conference sides’ attack. Indeed, it was Jiunjiu that opened the scoring on 62 minutes, when the home defence failed to clear a ball through the middle, allowing the striker to finish.

The game was wrapped up with 15 minutes remaining when fellow striker Rocky Baptiste headed in a deep cross from the right hand side, past Jamie Turner. Even a very dangerous and lively Luke Piscina, on as a substitute, could not break the Margate defence as the Angels lost their unbeaten pre-season record.

Report by: Gary Cornwell