Saturday 31st January: Angels edge win over resillient Margate
Carl Rook fires in the first half shot that Mullin saves
The Angels secured all three points thanks to a solitary Jamie Cade goal midway through the second half. A battling Margate side belied their lowly league position and stifled the home side throughout the game where there were few clear-cut chances.
For this match Tommy Warrilow was happy to field the same side on the back of last week's demolition of Heybridge. Margate were without four first choice players due to injury and suspension but, because of a recent turn around in form, came into the game with high hopes of upsetting their high-flying hosts.
From the start it was the well-organised visitors who enjoyed the bulk of the possession and approach play but the final ball always lacked quality and Worgan was never really tested in the early stages.
Carl Rook should have scored when he had time to control a low Tommy Tyne right wing cross before shooting at goal from 8 yards but the effort was not hit cleanly and 'Gate keeper Pat Mullin did well to palm the ball away low to his left.
This was the only clear-cut chance for either side in a very flat first half.
The second half was a distinct improvement as a spectacle as it saw the Angels come more and more into the game with several near misses.
A good passage of play, involving Hamilton and Rook, sees Logan drive into the left side of the box. He hammered a shot goalwards and it is met by a flying save by Mullin. The loose ball drops invitingly but Tyne and Rook completely mess up the finish as they both go for the same volley.
The winning goal came when Lewis Hamilton's cross from the left was headed on by Rook and Cade stole in at the back post to nod in from close range.
The Angels went close again when Glover (who had just replaced Logan on the left) ran the ball down field on a breakaway and then slotted the ball into the channel between Mullin and the onrushing strikers. Rook came sliding in at the back post but was thwarted by a timely interception by full-back Robinson and the ball trickled inches wide of goal.
Margate very nearly equalised when striker Peters fired in a low right wing cross-cum-shot that passed through the box and the slightest touch from any player would have resulted in the ball finding the net.
As the game opened up Wescott stormed down the right wing and found Sub Ade Olorunda in the clear but he horribly sliced the effort wide when it looked easier to score.
In added time Robinson, having previously been booked, received a straight red card for a challenge on John Wescott out near the touchline that resembled something from a Bruce Lee film.
The win keeps up the Blues' play-off momentum on a day when the chasing teams mostly faltered.
Tonbridge Angels: Worgan, Starkey, Hamilton, Tyne, Legge, Gooding, Westcott, Storey, Cade, Rook, Logan. Subs: Olorunda A, Olorunda T, Glover.
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The Club have stated that the Angels' 5th goal last week at Heybridge is to be credited to Carl Rook and not Leon Legge as previously reported.
Monday 26th January: Courier launches Angels live update service
The Kent & Sussex Courier Sports Desk has recently launched the Angels live update text service via the Courier web site.
This service will run for most games but should be welcome news especially for any Angels' fans who cannot travel to away matches.
If you missed the live update from Saturday's win at Heybridge it can be found at [ Angels Live Updates ]
or follow the permanent link that has been added to the menu bar.
Saturday 24th January: Angels cruise past Swifts
Leon Legge (partially hidden) squeezes the ball in the top corner for the Angels' opener
Tommy Tyne get clear of Swifts' goalscorer Robinson
The Angels brushed aside basement club Heybridge Swifts this afternoon as they won handsomely by 5-1.
For this game Tommy Warrilow reverted to, arguably, the most productive strike partnership as Jamie Cade replaced Ade Olorunda up front. Scott Gooding & Lewis Hamilton returned to the defence whilst Tommy Tyne replaced Phillips who was absent due to a family matter.
Simon Glover, having completed a 3-match ban, took his place on the bench.
The Angels dominated this game from the off and went close several times in the first period of play as the Swifts' defensive frailties were exploited time and again.
On 6 mins a Starkey cross was met with a diving header by Tyne. As it flew goalwards, Carl Rook got a flick on it but he diverted it onto the bar and over. Soon after it's Gooding turn to hit the woodwork as he volleys a Legge long-throw against the crossbar.
Ollie Morris-Saunders, in the Heybridge goal, made several excellent saves on the day that prevented a possible cricket score. The first of these was a flying dive to his right to keep out a Cade header after Starkey had picked out the unmarked striker.
Rook then ran the ball down near the goal line. He slipped his marker Wiles and tried to beat Ollie on his near post but the keeper blocked well.
Storey had a storming game in the centre, probably his best of the season, as he completely bossed the midfield. After dispossessing an opponent he marauded forward and was brought down blatantly by Fisher 25 yards from goal.
Logan lofted the free kick to the back of the goal area and Legge, who had ghosted around back, half-volleyed the ball in off the crossbar from the tightest of angles to give Tonbridge the lead.
The Blues' dominance continued until, against the run of play, the Swifts equalised on 42 minutes. Full-back Nelson ran the ball from his own half down towards the corner flag. He evaded a number of challenges before squaring to the unmarked Robinson who fired, first time, past Worgan.
Within 2 minutes the Angels were back in front as Wiles blocked a Logan cross with his hand and Rook converted the penalty.
The second half started evenly but it wasn't long before the visitors had extended their lead.
It came as another penalty, so soft it had the away fans chanting "we love the referee", was again conceded by Wiles. This time he was apparently guilty of leaning on Cade as a corner came in. Rook despatched it into the bottom right corner sending Ollie the wrong way to put Tonbridge ahead by 3-1.
On 55 mins Rook and Hamilton combined to provide Westcott with a carbon copy of his goal against Maidstone - the ball being cut back and Westie banging it in from 6 yards after a controlling touch.
Five minutes later Rook was the provider as his ball into the box found Tyne but he scooped his effort onto the top of the bar.
Westcott then put Cade clear with only Ollie to beat but the keeper forced him wide and he could only fire into the side netting.
The final Angels goal scorer was the subject of some dispute. A free kick was conceded at the junction of the goal line and penalty area as substitute Pond upended Hamilton. Westie chipped the ball into the back of the area and Legge thumped a header goalwards.
Rook tried to claim the goal after getting a touch on the ball as it flew in the net but photo evidence suggest it was already over the line.
In the final part of the game Ollie made two more outstanding saves - diving low to his right to keep out a Cade header and then tipping a Logan shot around the post.
This win sees the Blues strengthen their play-off ambitions and stay well in touch with second placed Staines who also won today.
Tonbridge Angels: Worgan, Starkey, Hamilton, Tyne, Legge, Gooding, Westcott, Storey, Cade, Rook, Logan. Subs: Olorunda A, Olorunda T, Glover.
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Kevin George, who signed for the Club just a few weeks ago and only made one appearance as a substitute in the League Cup, has left the club for Thamesmead Town.
Saturday 24th January 10:30: Game ON
Both club secretaries have confirmed today's game is currently ON.
Check on here for updates if the situation changes between now and 13:00.
Saturday 24th January 09:00: Pitch Inspection at 10:30
There will be a pitch inspection at Heybridge's Scaley Road Stadium at 10:30 this morning. Check the Forum for the most up-to-date news.
Friday 23rd January: Longmead flooded
This was the state of the Longmead pitch this morning after last night's deluge. (Photo by Bob Gott)
Thursday 22nd January: TAFCSA Quiz details
Tomorrow night (Friday) the Supporters Association will be hosting their regular general knowledge quiz in the Longmead Lounge.
Teams of 4-6 are welcome. There is a small entry fee of £2.50 (£2 for members) and it starts at 8 pm sharp. All the usual attractions are there - raffle, prizes for the winners (and losers!) plus compere Mick "silver tongue" Spenceley and the usual dodgy music round!!!
Tuesday 20th January: Two see red as Angels exit league cup
Robin's 'keeper Phil Wilson deals with a corner
Ade Olorunda is shadowed by Gonsalves
This season's brief cup exploits came to an end tonight as Carshalton won with relative ease 3-0.
Tommy Warrilow fielded a strong side with just two changes from Saturday's game with Phillips & Glover replacing Tyne & Gooding. This was the first time the 'Celtic' 3rd kit had been on show in a competitive game.
The Robins team included ex-Angels Ryan Martin and Mike Power - the latter being preferred up front to the league's top scorer Jolly who spent the whole match on the bench.
The first period of the game was a scrappy low quality affair although the home side had the edge on territory and possession. Carshalton took the lead when full-back Simon Cooper forced his way into the box from the right flank and fired a low shot that beat Lee Worgan just inside his near post.
The Angels, who had created nothing in that first 30 mins, went close when Carl Rook's header was tipped over by Phil Wilson.
Michael Phillips then spurned a great chance when he failed to connect properly with Ade Olorunda's cross and the header fell weakly into Wilson's arms.
On the stroke of half time Junior Kadi's cross was volleyed home for 2-0 by Dwain Clarke - his chopped effort bouncing just inside Worgan's left-hand upright.
The second half was a much better spectacle. In the first five minutes Worgan was forced into action and made three terrific blocks as the Robins pressurised the Angels defence.
The Angels then had their best spell of the game pegging back Carshalton for long periods with the home team restricted to the odd breakaway.
John Westcott missed a glorious opportunity when he blazed over with the goal gaping after Wilson has fumbled Glover's hanging cross.
Phillips had an 18 yard effort saved and Fraser Logan drove a shot just wide from a similar position. Adrian Toppin rescued Carshalton when his last ditch tackle halted Westcott who was clean through on goal.
The next incident saw two players be dismissed from the game. Leon Legge, still upfield from an Angels attack, raced on to a Phillips through ball. Wilson just got there first and felt the force of Leon's late boot. Wilson then got to his feet
and pushed Leon over and got a straight red card. Leon, already booked for a rash challenge in the first half, got a second caution and he too got his marching orders.
With the diminuative Cooper donning the keepers jersey for the remaining 17 mins the visiting supporters might have thought there was some hope but Cooper was only really tested once - brilliantly saving Cade's close range volley.
The final goal came on 83 mins against the run of play as Power turned Glover and fired under Worgan from 12 yards.
Tonbridge Angels: Worgan, Starkey, Glover, Phillips, Legge, Olorunda T, Westcott, Storey, Olorunda A, Rook, Logan. Subs: Cade, Hamilton, Butler, Tyne.
Saturday 17th January: Stones fight back to draw
Carl Rook heads in from close range to give the home side a 2-0 lead
The Angels lost a two goal lead for the second consecutive home game as Maidstone fought back with ten men to claim a point.
Full-back Lewis Hamilton was demoted to the bench in favour of Tim Olorunda as he had still not shaken off the hamstring injury picked up against Ramsgate. Jamie Cade made way for Ade Olorunda as Tommy Warrilow continues to rotate Carl Rook's strike partner.
The visitors had the first opportunity of the game within a minute as Nugent lofted a header over the advancing Worgan but the ball bounced feebly onto the post and back into play before Worgan smothered it.
Tonbridge then took control of the game in a first half where they created a host of chances.
On 5 mins Fraser Logan released Rook into the left side of the box. His low cross passed the defenders and John Wescott took one touch before slamming it in from 6 yards.
Ade Olorunda headed wide before, at the other end, Pinnock's free header cleared the Angels' bar. Leon Legge's header was tipped over before Pinnock's low drive on the turn was well saved low to his right by Worgan.
Tonbridge doubled their advantage on the half hour when Wescott's free kick into the danger area was glanced backwards across goal by Peacock. Legge got beyond the back post to acrobatically hooked the ball back over 'keeper Northwood and Rook nodded in from close range to claim his 20th of the season.
Ade O was then in the thick of the action as one Angels attack quickly followed another. Twice in quick succession he fell under hefty challenges by full-back Nathan Paul but the ref waved play on. He then headed Tyne's cross into the net but it was discounted due to an infringement on Northwood.
In the final action of the first 45 Tim O latched onto a cleared corner and fizzed a 25 yard thunderbolt just over the Stones goal as the Angels went into the break well in control.
Maidstone dominated the early part of the 2nd half hitting the woodwork twice as first Bradbrook's free kick - and then Jay Saunders' follow up - both rebounded off the Angels crossbar.
This pressure paid off on 55 minutes as Bradbrook's corner pinballed around in the box before Nugent stabbed the ball past Worgan courtesy of a wicked deflection.
Tonbridge created little of note in the 2nd period as impressive debutant Peter Hawkins dealt with the infrequent Angels attacks including several dangerous looking Logan crosses.
They did have two confident claims for handballs in the area but the referee was having none of it.
The visitors were then reduced to ten men but continued to threaten and it was no shock when Roland Edge equalised with ten minutes remaining.
After the game was held up for a couple of minutes, due to a fracas behind the away dugout, the Angels lost all concentration and concede the equaliser. Substitute Lacy swung in a free kick that was headed back across goal and Edge nodded home to give the Stones a well deserved point.
Tonbridge Angels: Worgan, Olorunda T, Starkey, Tyne, Legge, Gooding, Westcott, Storey, Olorunda A, Rook, Logan. Subs: Phillips, Hamilton, Cade, George.
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The winners of our midweek Ryman League Cup Round 3 tie at Carshalton have been drawn at home in Round 4: Carshalton Athletic or Tonbridge Angels vs. Eastbourne Town or Chipstead.
This game is due be played on Tuesday 27th January 2009.
Thursday 15th January: Maidstone Preview
Jamie Cade scores the injury time winner back in September
The Angels face Kent rivals Maidstone United at Longmead Stadium this coming Saturday. With the return of the milder weather the last few days both teams will be relishing getting back into action after recent postponements. As is the par for this fixture a big crowd is expected.
Maidstone, who are still well in touch with the the play-off places, have seen a number of personel changes in the squad recently but the ex-Angels' management team of Lloyd Hume and
Alan Walker are still at the helm and they will be looking for revenge for the painful league defeat suffered earlier in the season. When the teams met at Central Park in September the game was a complete
non-event to be destined forever with the 'bore-draw' tag until, with the very last kick of the match deep into stoppage time, Jamie Cade netted from close range to give the Blues the 3 points and send the visiting supporters into raptures.
There is no team news available from the Tonbridge camp yet but Simon Glover is a definite absentee as he serves the last game of a 3-match ban.
Wednesday 14th January: League force fixture change
Tues 20th Jan 2009: AWAY v Carshalton Athletic, Ryman League Cup 3R, kick off 19:45.
Tues 24th Feb 2009: HOME v Carshalton Athletic, Ryman Premier, kick off 19:45.
The Ryman league have today postponed the home league match against Carshalton next Tuesday in favour of the Ryman Cup tie away to the same opponents. The home league game will now take place on Tuesday 24th Feb.
Tuesday 13th January: Angels to visit Carshalton in cup
Carshalton Athletic beat Tooting & Mitcham 5-2 in the Ryman League Cup tonight to set up a home 3rd round tie against the Angels.
The earliest date that this tie could be played is Tuesday 3rd February (the first midweek date when both clubs are free) but this is still to be confirmed by the club.
Saturday 10th January: Staines P-P Angels
The match referee called todays game off at 14:15 due to a frozen pitch.
Friday 9th January: Tomorrow's game in doubt
Leon Legge scoring in a pre-season friendly at Beckenham Town
Fraser Logan in action during last season's visit to Staines
With another sharp frost expected in the Staines area tonight, tomorrow's vital Ryman Premier League clash reportedly has only a 50/50 chance of going ahead.
A local referee is to inspect the pitch at 11am so that Angels supporters get an early warning and save a wasted trip around the M25 should the game be off.
Keep up to date with the Forum during the morning to get all the latest news on the situation.
The only doubts for this game, should it go ahead, are full-back Lewis Hamilton (achilles) and Michael Phillips (groin plus flu). Simon Glover serves the final match of his three-game ban.
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The club have confirmed interest in a couple of Angels players by a number of league clubs. Several scouts have been reported to have been watching the team in the last few weeks - Southend, Bristol Rovers, Dagenham & Redbridge and Millwall have all been mentioned.
The latter two are monitoring Leon Legge in particular with the 23 year old centre-back recently playing a trial game at Millwall. Leon has been an excellent addition to the squad since joining from Lewes in close season putting in performances of a consistantly high standard every week plus having scored 5 goals from his 23 appearances.
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The date of our Ryman Cup 3rd round tie is still unknown as the 2nd round game between our potential opponents - Tooting & Mitcham or Carshalton - was postponed again last Tuesday. Therefore there is currently no game for the first team on the 13th January 2009 as previously advertised.
Saturday 3rd January: Rams leave it late
Leon Legge opens the scoring with what is fast becoming his trademark header
The Angels lost a two goal lead in the last 10 minutes to allow Ramsgate to leave Longmead with an unlikely point.
With his two main left-sided players still not available to start Tommy Warrilow opted to play with a lone striker (Rook) and five across the midfield. Jamie Cade remained out on the left to accommodate the returning Anthony Storey with Ade Olorunda dropping to the bench. Ramsgate featured several ex-Angels in their side including goalkeeper Jamie Turner - a recent loan signing from Welling.
The first chance of the game fell to the home side as, on 4 minutes, Tommy Tyne's 20 yard strike across Turner grazed the outside of the post. Moments later Steffan Ball was denied as his first time shot heading inside the post was turned aside by Lee Worgan.
The visitors then started to have the majority of the attacking play, winning several corners in the process, without really troubling the Blues' back line.
The opening goal came on 40 mins against the run of play following Tonbridge's first corner of the match. John Westcott sent in an out-swinger with his right foot and Leon Legge outjumped the Ramsgate defence to head powerfully from 12 yards into the top left corner of the net.
Despite the second period being a much more even affair the Angels doubled the lead over their Kent derby opponents when Westcott, Phil Starkey and Michael Phillips combined to conjure space on the right for Starkey to fire the ball into the box.
Carl Rook did well to get in front of his marker, Ryan Royston, to connect with the cross on the half-volley and fire past Turner.
Turner then made two great saves first tipping over a Tyne drive then foiling Storey's free kick attempt palming the ball round the post at full stretch.
With 11 mins left Jim Ward then added substitute Tsangarides to the Ramsgate front line at the expense of a midfielder in an attempt to get something from the game. The move paid off almost immediately as Tsangarides fired under Worgan from close range to give the visitors hope.
This tactic left gaping holes in the defence that Tonbridge nearly exploited on the counter, going close twice through Cade and Ade Olorunda with Starkey the provider and Turner blocking well on both occasions.
The 6 minutes of added time were nearly up when Tim Olorunda conceded a cheap free kick wide on the right. The ball was knocked into the box and, in the resulting melee, defender Nick Davis prodded home to give Ramsgate a share of the spoils.
