The Angels suffered a shock defeat to the hands of neighbours Tunbridge Wells in this annual Courier Cup fixture. A storming second half performance from the Kent League side gave them their first ever Courier Cup victory.

Fraser Logan replaced Jon Heath in the left wing-back slot whilst youngster Mike Cramp came into the back three, with John Beales dropping to the bench. Ray Powell also dropped out of the starting eleven, making way for Jon Main and Nick Barnes came in for the injured Scott Kinch. There were spaces on the bench for trialists Chris Eather and Jimmy Beauchamp (former Gravesend youth players).

The Angels made the perfect start to the contest, going ahead after only a couple of minutes. Nick Barnes was judged to have been pulled down in the penalty area by ex-Angel Mike McKeown and the same player picked himself up and comfortably sent the keeper the wrong way with the resulting spot-kick. It was all too easy for the Angels at this stage with their opponents not really threatening at all. The first half flew by with very little goal mouth action at either end. The Angels lead by the single goal at the interval.

The second half was exactly the opposite and saw enthralling end to end action. The visitors started the second period somewhat sluggishly and our hosts duly equalised on 53 minutes when tough defender Adrian Hatcher found the back of the net. With twenty minutes to go, the scores remained level until an awesome period of ten minutes from the Wells saw them grab three more goals and put the tie beyond reach. Ex-Angels reserve player Tommy Fuller put his side in front before youngsters Chris Stoate and Alex Rich scored in quick succession to stun the Angels and the majority of the crowd at the Culverden Stadium. Jon Main scored a superb solo effort late on but it was only a consolation for the Blues. The Wells had won the Cup for the first time in their history.

The reporter’s Man of the Match was given to Jon Main for his non-stop work rate that was eventually rewarded with a quality strike late on.

Report by: Gary Cornwell