The Angels bounced back from a poor run of form to beat struggling Newport Isle of Wight 1-0 at St George’s Park on Saturday afternoon. The 1-0 scoreline suggests a closely contested battle, however, this was everything but as the visitors dominated from start to finish. If there was ever a comfortable one-nil scoreline, then this was it.

There were four changes to the visitor’s starting line-up from that which gained a point at Bashley last weekend. Player-boss Tony Dolby and striker Leroy Huggins both dropped to the bench to make way for Jay May and new signing Danny Ward from Dulwich Hamlet. Brighton youngsters Steve May and Lee Carey weren’t included so Darren Smith and Danny Lye came in after a couple of weeks out.

The Angels started confidently and were in control from the off with skipper Steve Aris having the first clear-cut opportunity of the match. Darren Smith whipped in a corner from the right hand side and was met by the head of Aris who diverted his effort to the far post where it was cleared off the line by a Newport defender. However, just moments later, the ex-Fisher centre half did indeed get his name on the scoresheet following another brilliant Smith corner. Aris outjumped a couple of defenders to head home powerfully and give the Angels the perfect start. Tonbridge could and perhaps should have doubled their advantage midway through the first half when Jon Main blasted straight at home keeper Alex Hards following a mazy run from striker partner Jay May. Fraser Logan drilled an effort over the crossbar and Jay May also had a couple of half chances before the half time whistle blew.

The second half was very similar to that of the first, with the Angels dominating proceedings without adding to their tally. The major talking point of the game happened within minutes of the restart as a scuffle involving May and goalkeeper Hards resulted in the former being shown a red card and being sent for an early bath. Newport offered very little in the attacking third and never really threatened Jerome John who had one of his lazier afternoons between the sticks. Jon Main, working tirelessly up front on his own, had a glorious chance to double the advantage but was unable to connect properly with a Fraser Logan cross. Darren Smith squandered another brilliant opporunity as he missed from only a couple of yards out following another teasing Logan ball. John Beales floated a high ball onto the crossbar late on as the visitors came back to Tonbridge with maximum points.

Jon Main deservedly scooped the Angels Online Man of the Match award for his tireless display up front.

Report by: Gary Cornwell