A magnificent 25-yard curler from Ben Rainbow and gutsy team performance from Tonbridge Angels Reserves, who played the last half-hour with ten men after Luke Piscina was shown a red card by referee Robert Was, saw the visitors pick up three points on Saturday.

This was the Reserves' sixth win in a row since the beginning of the New Year and the fourth game in a row that they have not conceded a goal. The Angels started the game sluggishly and did not create a clear-cut opening in the opening 15 minutes or so, likewise Walton's only threat was high balls played into the box, but these were competently dealt with by Johnson, Miles, Mike Cramp and Matt Bromby in goal.

Danny Powell had a goal disallowed for offside after 22 minutes, then on 31 minutes what proved to be the deciding goal was scored. The ever-improving Ben Rainbow cut in from the Angels left before unleashing a tremendous left footed curler which bent in under the angle of post and crossbar much to the delight of the goalscorer. A poor assistant referee's decision denied the visitors a second when John Sinclair broke through on the edge of the Walton penalty area only for the official to wave Powell offside.

The second half saw the Angels slip back into their recent form, John Sinclair and Mannie Neville winning the midfield battle, on the hour came the red card incident involving Piscina. Having been heavily tackled and not for the first time by the same player he reacted strongly as the players stood nose to nose. Referee Was deemed Piscina's reaction was enough to warrant a red card, but failed to issue the same punishment out to the home player. The Angels left Powell up front to fight a lone battle which the player did with great conviction.

Fresh from England duty Ian Parkes came on for the tiring Brock who had yet another solid game, then with ten minutes left Steve Ward replaced Powell and was unlucky not to have scored when his header over the keeper bounced just wide of the post. With the defence in no mood to give a goal away and a tremendous work ethic from the midfield Tonbridge secured a thoroughly deserved three points.

Report by: Julian Leigh

Manager's Comments: "A good three points against a side that make it very difficult for you to play against. We look very solid defensively and our work rate in midfield was good particularly from Sincs. Luke might feel a little bit unlucky with the red card, he was silly to let himself get into that situation and another ref on another day may well have just issued a booking and a good lecture. Luke's attitude and commitment up till then was exemplary, but today was about a very good team effort which comes from a great spirit in the changing room."