Tonbridge exited this years FA Trophy competition in dramatic style as they went crashing at the hands of Ryman Division 1 outfit, Walton & Hersham. A dominating but ultimately disappointing display at Longmead earned both sides another crack at the whip to battle for the right to visit lowly Stamford in the 4th Round.

The first opportunity of the match fell to Tonbridge skipper Danny Lye who gratefully accepted with both hands to put them in front. A beautifully whipped ball into the box from Anthony Hogg found the unmarked midfielder who glanced his header over the stranded goalkeeper. The first half flew by as neither side created a clear chance. Walton were very disappointing, unable to pass to their own players whilst Tonbridge could not break down the strong defence. The second period was far more eventful as far as the home side were concerned as they completely dominated their opponents. A minute after the interval, left back Jamie Rieve surged through the visitors defence and forced a tremendous save from the superb Jamie Turner from all of 25 yards. The Division 1 outfit eventually equalised on the hour mark when Mark Nwokeji sliced the away defence in half to send Tristan Frontin through on goal. The striker took one touch before drilling a low shot that Turner was unable to get a hand on. The Swans began to dominate with chances falling to both Reggie Savage and Lee Allum going close. The draw meant that extra time was to be played.

Lee Riddell and Carl Gibbs had opportunities in the first half of extra time but were unable to beat the magnificent away goalkeeper. The second period saw Lee O’ Donnell firing a shot over the bar and Danny Lavender coming close. The best opportunity of the match fell to Reggie Savage in 119th minute. With the final whistle just seconds away, and penalties approaching Walton thought they had cruelly won the tie when the dangerous Savage met a cross from the right. His skilful overhead kick crashed against the post for Tony Dolby to clear. The match went to a penalty shoot-out.

Goalscorer Danny Lye was the player to begin the nervy shootout. His shot was unconvincingly blasted over the crossbar and almost out of the ground. Walton buried their opening penalty past Jamie Turner. Gareth Street was next up and saw his shot saved by the outstanding Nick Gindre who dived full stretch to tip around the upright. Jamie Rieve confidently finished his off much to the disgust of Jamie Turner who guessed correctly. Player manager Tony Dolby was the third penalty taker for the Angels. He expertly slot his penalty into the bottom right hand corner, fooling the goalkeeper into thinking he was shooting in the other direction. Tonbridge probably knew it wasn’t to be their day when O’ Donnell made it 3 out of 3 for the home side. Centre back John Farley confidently stepped up to crash his penalty into the back of the net to give them a glimmer of hope once again. Reggie Savage missed from his effort, which meant that club captain Craig Roser had to score to keep the Angels’ dream alive. He placed the ball on the spot and blasted his spot kick over the bar. Tonbridge were knocked out.

Report by: Gary Cornwell