There was an element of fortune about the goal but not the result as Tonbridge bowed out of the Westview Ryman League Cup. Some belated pressure from the Angels in the final 15 minutes wasn't enough to extend the tie.

As expected, the team was missing a number of regular starters. Jon Heath and Mike Cramp filled the full-back positions alongside Skipper Lew Watts and John Beales in central defence, with a midfield quartet of Nick Barnes, Ian Parkes, Craig Roser and Darren Smith. Phil Cramp partnered Luke Piscina up front.

The first real opening of the game came on 13 minutes when two United defenders misjudged a bouncing ball, only for Piscina to lob over from a good position. From then on, it was generally all Tooting in terms of goal threat. Watts got in the way of dangerous efforts from Gavin Grant and Jason Pinnock. Grant missed the target when through on Mikhail Czanner in the Angels goal, then Ted Hart managed to put Grant's cross wide from six yards out.

Tonbridge reached half time without managing to trouble Jonty Venter in the visitors goal, and the pattern continued at the start of the second half. Beales made a fantastic block on the line when Pinnock seemed certain to convert James Lasbrey's cross. Czanner got down well to save from Lasbrey, Munday and Grant. Venter was finally called into action midway through the half, plunging to his right to parry after a good run and shot from Piscina.

Tooting took the lead with 16 minutes left when Danny Twin's 20-yard free-kick flicked off the end of the wall and wrong-footed Czanner. Tonbridge were galvanised into some belated pressure, with sub Adam O'Neill making a lively debut in a switch to three up front - and the visitors had to work hard to hold their lead. Venter made a fine save low to his left to deny Phil Cramp near the end, but it was a case of too little too late for the Angels.

Report by: Tony Browne