Tonbridge maintained their unbeaten league start to 2005 with a dire draw against a youthful and struggling Cheshunt side at Theobolds Lane. An injury time penalty save from home keeper Bradley Hughes rescued them a point in a match that was littered with poor finishing and some lacklustre passes. For the neutral, it was obvious to see that the two sides on show would be in a relegation battle come the end of the season.

The opening half an hour was absolutely dreadful with calamitous defending from both sides at times. Half chances fell to both Anthony Hogg and Lenny Piper but both were unable to hit the target. The only real chance fell the way of the Ambers’ on 29 minutes as Henry Haastrup passed an onrushing Jamie Turner only to see his lame effort cleared off of the line by Nicky Humphries. The home side would live to regret this glorious opportunity as the visitors grabbed the lead just two minutes later. Steve Sodje let fly with a 25-yard volley, which lobbed the helpless Hughes in goal and sailed into the net. Cheshunt equalised on 38 minutes when a blunder from the usually reliable Jamie Turner gifted new signing Steve Obeng a simple finish.

The second period began with neither side really managing to carve out a clear-cut chance. With only five minutes remaining Glen Adams rounded Jamie Turner but once again, there was a covering defender in the form of John Farley to boot clear. With both sides seemingly accepting the result, substitute Luke Piscina produced a moment of magic when he capitalised on a defensive error, forcing goalkeeper Hughes to bring the young striker to the ground. The referee had no option but to point to the spot. With usual penalty takers Tony Dolby and Brendan Cass off the pitch, it was up to the experienced central defender John Farley to handle the pressure. He hesitantly stepped up and saw his feeble kick saved by the keeper, making up for his earlier mistake. Both sets of supporters settled for the point even though the Angels will feel aggrieved that they hadn’t gained maximum points.

Report by: Tony Browne