Tonbridge survived a bright start from their Southern League opponents to win by the single goal at Longmead Stadium. The Angels’ manager Tony Dolby deployed a 4-4-2 diamond formation in this match as he continues to experiment. Jerome John was in goal with John Beales at right-back, Mike Cramp partnering Danny Lye at centre-back and Kieron Wilson on the left. Dolby played at the base of the diamond with Ian Parkes in front of him alongside Darren Smith, who had signed for the club that day from Eastbourne Borough. Nick Barnes played in the attacking midfield position behind Warren Haughton and Leroy Huggins.

Aveley started by far the brighter, with Tonbridge giving the impressive and fast left-winger Steve Jones acres of space to run at them. The visitors could not create a substantial effort on goal though, and as the Angels got more into the game it was they that had the first decent chance. Darren Smith found space with only the keeper to beat after a long kick from Jerome John, but perhaps nerves got the better of the new-boy who screwed his effort several yards wide of the post. Aveley’s best effort came when Danny Curran made a run down the left, his cross was deflected just enough by John Beales that it just escaped the run of striker Simon Thomas when only the slightest of touches would have made sure of a goal.

Aveley’s striker Danny Curran was shown the red card, an unusual sight for a pre-season friendly, after coming to blows with Danny Lye who was booked. Warren Haughton had a header blocked from an Ian Parkes cross, before his strike-partner Huggins would give Tonbridge the lead. Kieron Wilson, having one of his best games in a blue shirt, crossed from the left and Huggins made no mistake blasting home at the far post in the 43rd minute.

Most of the team were substituted at half-time, with Thursday’s Fisher Athletic friendly in mind, so It was a much younger Tonbridge team that took to the second-half. Of the replacements, Luke Piscina looked the most impressive with his usual lively performance in attack. Piscina and midfielder Luke Williams were both wearing No. 18 shirts and the pair combined to produce the best effort of the second-half, Piscina’s cross being deflected out into Williams’ path whose powerful shot from the edge of the area went just wide. Piscina then came close himself, jinking round his marker before shooting wide. Despite the lack of experience in the side, Tonbridge held firm for the clean-sheet and win.

Report by: Dan Couldridge

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