The Angels kicked off their pre-season campaign with a promising performance at home to Conference South side Sutton United. The home squad featured many first-team regulars alongside reserve players and trialists who were looking to impress the management before the forthcoming season. The visiting side consisted of many first-team regulars also, which made the single goal victory even more remarkable.

On a superbly lush surface, ideal for passing football, both sides settled into their rhythm relatively early on in the encounter. Both sides seemed content to just keep the ball and make the opposition work hard, in high temperatures. Tonbridge had the first real opportunity as player-manager Tony Dolby headed against the post after a deep cross from Luke Piscina. Half chances came the way of Luke Piscina and Jay May but neither were able to really test the keeper. The away sides’ first real attack of note came just seconds before the interval when striker Craig Watkins failed to hit the target with a glancing header.

Tonbridge came out for the second period with a renewed purpose and freshness that was finally rewarded in 55th minute when Jay May was put through following good work from substitute Leroy Huggins. The young striker finished calmly despite pressure from opposition defenders and the onrushing keeper to score only the second goal of his Angels career. Sutton had chances through Steve Douglas and Victor Donka late on but new signing Jerome John, on his debut since arriving from Fisher Athletic, never looked worried by the visiting attack.

All in all, a comfortable performance from the Angels who thoroughly deserved their victory, with notable individual performances coming from Steve Aris, Jerome John and Ian Parkes.

Report by: Gary Cornwell

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