The Angels continued where they left off against Whyteleafe a week ago by defeating Sussex outfit Burgess Hill Town at Leyland’s Park on Saturday.

With Alex O’Brien and Jon Main missing through injury and Jay May dropped to the bench, Wade Falana and Nick Barnes returned to take their place in the starting eleven. Adam O’Neill also made a return as substitute following an impressive showing for the reserves during midweek.

The Angels thought they had got off to the perfect start when Ray Powell volleyed home midway through the first half but his effort was ruled out for offside. Just moments later, the visitors took the lead, somewhat against the run of play, as youngster Phil Elkins slotted home coolly past the helpless Jerome John. A combination of the Angels being a goal down and the introduction of Jay May, on for the injured Falana, meant that the visitors burst into life just prior to the interval. Luke Piscina had an effort drilled wide whilst Fraser Logan shot straight at home keeper John Sullivan. With only seconds remaining in the opening period, the scores were level as Ray Powell hit the back of the net for the second time in the contest. This time the linesman kept his flagged down as Powell buried almost a carbon copy to that of his first effort. The scores were tied at half-time.

The second period was far more one-sided than the first half and in the end the Angels perhaps should’ve closed the game out earlier and more comfortably. However, credit where it’s due to the youthful Burgess Hill outfit who dug in and made a fight of it until the very last kick of the match. Jay May had an effort scrambled to safety before Luke Piscina grabbed all three points for the away side with a 66th minute winner.

Ray Powell and Fraser Logan both missed one-on-one chances in the dying minutes but in the end Tonbridge held out for a crucial victory which sees them remain in the thick of the promotion battle.

Report by: Gary Cornwell

Click here to view action photos.