The Angels made it three defeats on the bounce and drop to within 5 points of the relegation zone after another poor performance against an average Leyton side. Kieron Wilson came into the team, replacing Andy Larkin who was unable to play due to work commitments. This meant John Beales was drafted into his preferred centre-back position.

A good opening spell from the home side saw Chris Bangura just fail to connect with a low driven cross from the right win in just the second minute of a very lively game. Mark Sophocleous, son of Leyton Chairman and manager Theo, was then rather unlucky with a curling free kick awarded for an accidental back pass after 10 minutes. Two minutes later James Hawes found himself with acres of space, however he couldn’t direct his well struck effort and floated harmlessly wide. Tonbridge had yet to really get into first gear, but soon replied with a 35-yard thunderbolt from manager Tony Dolby that went too close for comfort for the Leyton goalkeeper. Luke Piscina then forced a save from James Hassell from the edge of the penalty area. The game still remained open although it was Leyton that always looked the more dangerous when attacking. Two more efforts came in from Thompson and Parkyn for the home side midway through the first period, but still the score line was still 0-0. In the closing minutes of the half, Paul squandered a marvellous chance for the home side when Turner saved his one-on-one comfortably in the end.

Two early second half substitutions by the home side dramatically swung the tie for the home side with replacement striker and top scorer Manny Williams coming on. His height and pace caused confusion and havoc amongst the already makeshift Tonbridge defence. Leyton took the lead and scored the only goal of the game 5 minutes after the interval when a superbly struck ball from Sophocleous eluded Turner in goal and curled into the far corner of the net. Substitute Williams crashed his classy flick against the woodwork on 85 minutes. With just a couple of minutes remaining, Tim Hambley curled a sublime free kick around the wall only to be denied by the crossbar, which would have landed the visitors a share of the spoils. Both sides had chances in the final dying seconds of the match but the home side held out for a deserved win in front of a lowly crowd.

Report by: Gary Cornwell