With both sides in somewhat patchy form of late, this was a game neither side could really afford to lose in the race for promotion and play-off places. A predictably tight and frenetic contest ensued, with goal chances and flowing football at a premium on a bitterly cold Longmead evening.

Recent signing Danny Ward made way for Nick Barnes to return from suspension at the heart of midfield, with Darren Smith and Danny Lye keeping their places in the starting XI from Saturday's game at Newport. Jay May again got the nod to partner Jon Main up front, with 2000/01 Supporter's Player of the Year Wade Falana starting his third spell with the Angels from the bench.

Tonbridge had an early scare when Dave Clifford's dipping volley crashed against the bar, the rebound being scrambled for a corner - but the first half was generally pretty disjointed, neither side being able to hold possession for long or link up their play to any real effect. Both 'keepers were called into belated action as half-time approached, JJ comfortably saving an effort from the edge of the box when Tonbridge failed to clear, and Kevin Readings getting down to claim at the feet of Main as he chased May's through ball.

The second half saw Tonbridge shading it for much of the time without ever really troubling Readings. Smith's through ball was just too strong for Main after some rare link-up play to feet, then Fraser Logan found Main in space - but the Tonbridge striker's first time shot went harmlessly past the far post. The Angels wall then did it's job to block a free kick from a dangerous position on the right side of the box.

Dover pressed hard for a winner late on - but the Tonbridge defence, in which John Beales and skipper Steve Aris were outstanding, saw off the threat with few alarms. Beales' crucial block of sub Michael Smissen's shot with six minutes to go proved the last meaningful incident of a game in which neither side really deserved all three points, but Tonbridge at least maintained the ten-point gap to the Whites in the league.

Report by: Tony Browne

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