A match report with a difference as I take up a new position behind the dugout to note proceedings. Here are the results:
19:47 0’ Kick-off and the Angels are again playing with a 5-3-2 wing-back formation, Fraser is switched to the left wing-back role with new signing Alex O’Brien in centre-midfield. Jay May returns to partner Razor up front.
19:55 9’ A Tony Dolby free-kick is hit deep into the ‘Leafe penalty area and the unfortunate Dean Davenport provides a bullet header into his own net to give the Angels a 1-0 lead.
19:57 11’ Luke Piscina shoots wide after some excellent attacking play by the Angels, instigated by a sublime first-time diagonal ball from Dolby to Watkins on the wing.
20:02 15’ JJ is on hand to catch a free header in the box from a corner. Whyteleafe look like they are capable of threatening but with Ruthers barking orders from the dugout Tonbridge look composed and in control of the proceedings.
20:06 19’ To the delight of the home support, debutant O’Brien air-kicks a Powell lay-off from a Dobla long-ball, and the ‘Leafe clear.
20:08 21’ From a corner a mêlée in the box emerges and in the attempts to scramble the ball clear a player is bundled over and a penalty awarded to Whyteleafe. Steve Aris is booked after protesting the somewhat dubious decision.
20:09 22’ Whyteleafe forward Tompkins balloons the spot-kick. Perhaps it really is our day!
20:16 29’ The Angels are well on top and Fraser chucks a couple of great crosses in that forwards Jay May and Razor can’t find – Rutherford on the bench becomes noticeably agitated and makes sure his attackers know his feelings.
20:18 31’ Powell beats goalkeeper Wastell to a long ball leaving the goalkeeper stranded, but Razor can only shoot wide and high.
20:30 43’ After a quiet spell an amazing team goal for the Angels. Luke has the ball on the wing and some smart one-touch football between himself, Logan and Dolby ensues, Dolby’s touch finds Luke on the wing and he fires a low and hard cross into the box and Razor gets down well to head home. 2-0 to the Angels.
20:50 45’ The second half kicks off. Hopefully Tonbridge can continue the excellent form of the first half.
21:01 56’ Steve Aris wins a header from a corner but it is cleared off the line.
21.04 59’ Rutherford asks Dean Smith to warm up as he considers a change.
21:11 66’ The second-half is moving along at a much slower pace than the first but the Angels are well in control safeguarding their 2-0 cushion.
21:13 68’ Action is quiet on the pitch but much more animated in the dugout as Adam O’Neill is asked to warm up, and the bench prepare to take Luke Piscina off for the youngster.
21:16 71’ Hurried along by manager Dolby on the pitch, Rutherford brings O’Neill on for Piscina. It appears Luke is still not quite up to the demands of a 90 minute match just yet.
21:19 74’ A Logan downward header from a Dolby free kick bounces sharply but goalkeeper Wastell holds on well.
21:21 76’ At the other end JJ gets down well to save from a header.
21:22 77’ A player goes down under a hefty challenge in the centre circle from O’Brien for which the midfielder is booked.
21:25 80’ Razor has to take treatment after being injured by an opponent. Nick Barnes, who has been living every second of the game from the dugout offers words of encouragement to his club-mate by placing a fine him for ‘suffering’!
21:29 84’ Mainy warms up hoping to get a taste of the action and a chance to get his name back on the scoresheet.
21:33 88’ A deft flick from Powell allows his strike partner Jay May through on goal but he shoots over.
21:34 89’ Seconds after Ruthers calls for Jay May’s number to be substituted, May scores from a Powell lay-off to make it 3-0. At the kick-off, it is Razor who leaves the field to be replaced by Jon Main.
21:36 91’ Wastell tips a Drew Watkins free-kick round the post.
21:38 93’ The final whistle and Tonbridge complete an impressive 3-0 win. A great team performance which will hopefully stir the Angels on for the final push in April.
Report by: Dan Couldridge
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