The curtain came down on the Angels' 2008/9 season with a defeat to Carshalton in the Ryman Premier Play-Off semi-final.
After an even start to the game the deadlock was broken in the 24th minute courtesy of a breakway following an Angels corner. Barry Steven led the charge and played a precision left-to-right crossfield ball to the feet of Richard Jolly. He struck the ball across Worgan and into the bottom corner for 1-0.
The second half was barely started when Charlie Ide took advantage of a defensive mix-up to poke home and double the Robbins lead.
With just over 20 mins remaining Tonbridge made a double substitution and converted to three at the back. The extra player in midfield inspired more frequent attacks by the home side and they were rewarded when Carl Rook converted from the spot after Steve Ferguson had been felled by Gonsalves.
Paul Booth found space in the box to fire home the equaliser with 8 minutes left on the clock but, as they went all out for the winner in the very next attack, the Blues got caught out with one too many up for the corner and Jolly finished off another breakaway goal.
Full Report and photos to follow....
Angels: Worgan, Starkey, Glover, Tyne, Dayes, Gooding, Ferguson, Storey, Booth, Rook, Clarke. Subs: Olorunda T, Westcott, Minshull, Heath, French.
Carshalton now face a tough trip to Staines Town, who comfortably won 3-0 in their semi-final v Sutton, for the right to play Conference South football next season.
Monday 27th April: Warrilow and Sullivan call on 12th man
As the Angels prepare for the biggest game at Longmead for many years Manager Tommy Warrilow and Chairman Nick Sullivan have both issued rallying cries to the Angels supporters to raise the roof on Tuesday night when they face Carshalton Athletic in the Ryman Premier Play Off semi-final.
A big crowd is expected for the game which should attract many neutrals as well as a respectable following for the Robbins.
Tonbridge, whose build-up to this game in recent weeks has been fraught with injuries and suspensions, look set to start with the strong squad as seen on Saturday against Dover. Club Captain Anthony Storey should be restored to midfield as his ban has now ended. Scott Gooding came through the Dover game ok after the thigh injury picked up in training but Lewis Hamilton is a fresh doubt (groin).
It is hoped Lee Minshull will return following the shoulder injury sustained at Harrow and Lee Worgan is definately available despite earlier worries that he could have been suspended following the sending off on Saturday.
Carshalton, who went through a distinct mid-season slump in form during which the Angels took all 6 league points from them, made the play-offs by courtesy of a win at Hendon on Saturday.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ryman Premier Play Off Semi Finals Tuesday 28th April 2009. kick-off 19:45
(A) Staines Town v Sutton United. (at Wheatsheaf Park)
(B) Tonbridge Angels v Carshalton Athletic. (at Longmead Stadium)
Ryman Premier Play Off Final Saturday 2nd May 2009. kick-off 15:00
Winner (A) v Winner (B) Home advantage for the team which finished in the highest league position
Saturday 25th April: Angels lose final league game
Lee Worgan and Scott Gooding fail to stop Sidibie's opener.
The regular league season ended with a 0-2 home defeat against Ryman Champions Dover.
Both Dover goals came in a bizarre first half that lasted an unbelievable 88 minutes following a number of lengthy stoppages.
The game had barely warmed up when, in the 12th minute, Whites' Lee Browning was felled as a Tim Olorunda volley caught him full on the chin. He received lengthy treatment on the pitch by both physios and a doctor before being taken off in an ambulance.
Play eventually restarted at 15:38 and within minutes Dover had taken the lead - Sidibie controlling a low Gore cross into the centre and firing under Lee Worgan.
No sooner had Tonbridge kicked off when play was stopped again this time due to the referee sustaining a calf injury.
With a new assistant taking his place on the touchline, the stand-in referee didnt have long to wait to make his first key decision. Jon Wallis, having been gifted the ball on the edge of the box by Scott Gooding, was left sprawling after a one-on-one challenge with Worgan. The ref awarded a penalty and Worgan was shown the red card.
Full-back Phil Starkey donned the #1 jersey but was given no chance with Wallis' spot kick.
The one-man advantage for Dover didn't last long as Schultz received an straight red for an elbow in Carl Rook's face.
This dismissal seemed to spark the tension between both benches and a fracas started in front of the dugouts. This incident resulted in the respective managers - Andy Hessentaller and Tommy Warrilow - both being sent off.
As half time (finally!) beckoned Starkey saved a certain goal as he managed to clawed the ball clear from the feet of Bodkin with the Angels defence in disarray.
The second half was a sedate non-event with very few chances of note and the visitors saw the game out comfortably.
Angels: Worgan, Starkey, Glover, Tyne, Dayes, Gooding, Westcott, Olorunda, Cade, Rook, Clarke. Subs: Booth, Hamilton, Ferguson, Minshull.
The Angels will now face Carshalton Athletic on tuesday night in the Ryman Premier play-off semi-final. K.O. 19:45.
Saturday 18th April: Angels extend unbeaten run to 9 games
The Angels beat Harrow Borough 3-2 today to confirm they will finish in third position in the Ryman Premier.
Goals from debutant centre-back Gavin Dayes, Carl Rook and Paul Booth all came in an astonishing first 12 minutes which also saw Borough open the scoring inside 120 seconds.
Defender Walters headed home from a corner in the second half to end the scoring action but, despite have the better of a lacklustre second half, Harrow couldn't muster an equaliser and the Angels ran out comfortable winners in the end.
Report to follow...
Angels: French, Starkey, Glover, Minshull, Legge, Dayes, Westcott, Olorunda, Booth, Rook, Cade. Subs: Clarke, Hamilton, Ferguson.
Monday 13th April: Angels draw again
Paul Booth just about to fire into the empty net after rounding 'keeper Jani Seitonen
Tonbridge and Hastings fought out a 3-3 draw at a sunny Longmead this afternoon.
It means that, with this point against lowly Hastings, the Angels have virtually secured home advantage in the forthcoming playoff semi-finals. Only a series of extraordinary results in the final two rounds of league matches will see them overhauled due to their vastly superior goal difference over the chasing teams.
For this match Tommy Warrilow made just one change from the previous game resting Steve Ferguson in favour of Carl Rook with Jamie Cade switching to the right side of attack. Tommy Tyne was on a one match ban and the list of injury crocks is now down to just 3 players with John Westcott taking his place on the bench following the calf injury sustained in the reserves a couple of weeks ago.
Hastings included ex-Angels Lee Carey and recent exile Michael Philips in midfield with, of course, the former Angels management team of Dolby and Rutherford on the sidelines.
The home side quickly took charge and were camped in the Hastings half for long spells so much so it was a full 15 minutes before home keeper Lee Worgan touched the ball.
Dwain Clarke went close in the first minute latching onto a loose ball but firing just over from 12 yards.
Hastings 'keeper Jani Seitsonen came to the rescue blocking Lee Minshull attempt created after he picked the pocket of the last defender and ran clear on goal.
The opening goal came on 29 minutes when Rook was the provider allowing Paul Booth to slip clear of the Hastings offside trap, round Seitsonen and slide the ball home.
Within two minutes Hastings were level from the penalty spot after Legge was dismissed for bringing down last man Frankie Sawyer leaving his team mates to endure a full hour with just 10 men.
Despite being a man down Tonbridge continued to have the better of things and it was no surprised when Rook restored the lead heading home a Clarke free kick theat was crossed in from the right on the stroke of halftime.
The second half was mostly a low quality affair but Hastings started to make the man advantage count and went looking to get something from the game. They succeeded as the game sprang into life in the final few minutes when the second biggest Longmead crowd of the season were treated to a tremendous finale.
With 4 mins left on the clock Sawyer equalised only for Rook to sweep home his second for 3-2 in the
last minute and then skipper Whyborne having the last word tie-ing the match up in stoppage time.
Angels: Worgan, Starkey, Glover, Minshull, Legge, Gooding, Cade, Storey, Booth, Rook, Clarke. Subs: Olorunda T, Hamilton, Ferguson, Westcott.
The Hastings match photos can be found via the Fixtures & Results page.
Friday 10th April: Angels secure play-off spot
Paul Booth scoring his 2nd goal
A point at Tooting & Mitcham's Imperial Field this afternoon was enough for the Angels to confirm a spot in the end-of season play-offs. With three games remaining the Blues need just three more points to ensure home advantage in the semi-final match on 28th April.
Tommy Warrilow made just one change dropping Carl Rook to the bench for Dwain Clarke. Cade was switched to play more centrally and partner Paul Booth up-front.
Tonbridge dominated the first half-hour of the game with Steve Ferguson, and Paul Booth (twice) going close. The Terrors came into the game more as the first period ended and the Angels had to rely on a good save from Worgan to deny Vines and keep the scores level at the break.
On 53 minutes Booth opened the scoring by converting Jamie Cade's low centre from the right. With 13 minutes remaining Booth, who had been put clear by neat pass from Cade, rounded Tooting 'keeper Dave King to score easily and double the Angels advantage.
In the dying minutes Tooting launched a number of attacks and scored when a deep cross was misjudged by Worgan and Howell volleyed in from a tight angle.
The home comeback was completed on the 90 as Leon Legge wrestled Dean McDonald to the ground as the ball was flighted into the Tonbridge penalty area from a free kick. McDonald converted the spot kick himself drilling the ball into the bottom left corner beyond Worgan's outstretched hand.
As has been seen a number of times this season the Tonbridge support had to endure another defensive collapse in the dying minutes. However this draw did stretch the current undefeated run to seven games and the points gap over the chasing teams has been maintained.
The Tooting match photos can be found via the Fixtures & Results page.
Angels: Worgan, Starkey, Glover, Minshull, Legge, Gooding, Ferguson, Storey, Booth, Cade, Clarke. Subs: Olorunda T, Olorunda A, Tyne, Westcott, Rook.
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The Angels host Hastings United at Longmead this coming Easter Monday kick off 15:00.
The Grand Easter Raffle draw takes place during half-time with prizes that include £200 cash and an Adult Season Ticket for 2009/10. Tickets will be on sale at the turnstiles from 13:00.
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Voting for this season's Player Of The Year will take place on Easter Monday. Voting slips will be available at all points around the ground and the winners will be announced before the Dover game on 25th April.
Tuesday 7th April: Angels lose Legge for playoffs
A scrappy match in Billericay this evening ended in a 1-1 draw.
Both goals came in the first half-hour with the hosts taking the lead through Joe Flack (23 mins) followed 3 mins later by a Carl Rook penalty after Jamie Cade had been upended.
A fair result based on the performances but the night was soured for the visitors as a last minute sending off for key defender Leon Legge means he looks certain to miss the play-offs if the Angels qualify for them.
The Blues now travel to Tooting & Mitcham this coming Good Friday, kick off 15:00.
Saturday 4th April: Angels outclass Hendon
Carl Rook holds off two defenders to fire in the Angels' 4th
The Angels completely outclassed today's visitors Hendon in an impressive display that further consolidates the prospect of a home play-off semi-final spot.
Scott Gooding opened the scoring early on with a looping header that resulted from a free kick. He was on hand again to convert a Rook knock-down on 32 minutes to notch up his 3rd goal in two games.
Anthony Storey made it 3-0 at the break with a rasping shot from 25 yds after being teed up by Steve Ferguson.
Tonbridge, looking a constant threat with every attack, continued to press the Hendon goal after the break and it was soon 4-0 when Carl Rook got the better of two defenders to fire home.
Hendon pulled a goal back from the penalty spot (Busby) after Storey had bundled over Hunt before a Clarke cross into the box was misjudged by 'keeper Viner and it sailed into the top corner.
The home fans thought it was six in injury time when Paul Booth headed powerfully home but the referee disallowed it for a shove.
Tommy Warrilow will be satisfied with the result but not with the additional suspensions for Storey & Olorunda who will now miss key games in the run-in. On the injury front there was a reoccurance of the knee problem
that has stuttered Logan's season although both the pre-match concerns, Booth and Clarke, appeared to come through the game unscathed.
The Hendon match photos can be found via the Fixtures & Results page.
Next up for the Angels is a visit to Billericay Town this coming Tuesday night at 19:45.
Angels: Worgan, Starkey, Glover, Minshull, Legge, Gooding, Ferguson, Storey, Booth, Rook, Logan. Subs: Olorunda A, Westcott, Tyne, Clarke.
