Kingstonian 1-2 Tonbridge Angels

As the 304 fans made their way into Kingsmeadow for the match against Tonbridge Angels, they were treated to a free display of fireworks by local residents. However, there were few fireworks on the pitch, as the Angels took the three points back to Kent, courtesy of a couple of defensive errors.

The Angels made the perfect start to the game. With Kingstonian attacking the Athletics ground end, Tonbridge were able to push forwards from the kick-off, winning an early corner. As the ball was swung in, Chuck Martini came to collect, but failed to gather the ball cleanly, instead dropping it at his feet. Loui Fazackerly was well placed to tuck the ball into the back of the net to give the Angels an early lead. Kingstonian 0 - 1 Tonbridge Angels.

Kingstonian were chasing the game with just 1 minute on the clock. However, they began to take the initiative, pushing forwards as much as they were allowed, and creating a number of opportunities to level the score.

First, Kenny Ojukwa found himself on the end of a long ball, chesting it down, turning to face the goal and hitting it on the volley. Jerome John, in goal for the Angels, produced a good save, parrying the ball out for a corner. Martyn Lee crossed the ball in, and it was headed narrowly over.

Then Ojukwa broke free down the left wing. His low cross was easily dealt with, resulting in another corner. The ball was sent into the middle of the six yard box, but neither Ojukwa, nor Tony Reid were able to connect cleanly and the danger was cleared.

Paul Wetherall then played Ojukwa through on goal with a nicely weighted pass, and Kenny hit the ball low and hard. Jerome John was equal to the effort, blocking the ball with his legs for another corner, which he then collected.

On 24 minutes, Stuart Reeks turned awkwardly when unchallenged, and fell to the floor in obvious discomfort. The stretcher had to be called for, and the unfortunate Reeks had to be replaced with Mazin Ahmad. Hopefully the injury will not be too serious, and everyone wishes Stuart a speedy recovery.

Ahmad nearly made an immediate impact, playing Tony Reid into the box. As two defenders bore down on the advancing striker, he went down in the box, to a chorus of cheers for a penalty. However, these went unheeded by the referee.

Minutes later Ahmad had a shot himself. Hit low, hard, and towards the bottom corner of the goal, Jerome John had to produce another good save, which he spilt for a corner. Tonbridge then advanced towards the Kingstonian goal, winning a free-kick wide of the box. The free-kick was curled in at a good height, but no-one was able to get on the end, and the ball went safely out for a goal-kick.

It was the final chance of the half, the referee then blowing for half-time. The possession had been quite equal, but Kingstonian had been unable to produce an equaliser to the Angels early goal.

When the teams came out for the second half, it was clear that both sides had goals in mind. With both teams pushing forwards, the game opened up, resulting in a more flowing second half. Kingstonian had the first chance, a series of short passes creating an opportunity for Martyn Lee to drive the ball goalwards. However, the ball hit the hoardings to the side of the goal.

Tonbridge then began a series of sweeping attacks. Leroy Higgins beat his marker at the far post, but fortunately for the K's his rocket shot flew over the bar. As play returned to the Angels half, Ojukwa found himself again on the end of a long ball from defence. One on one with the keeper, John came off his line to meet him. Ojukwa lofted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper. The ball stayed in the air for an age, but when it landed it was onto the roof of the net and not in it.

Shortly afterwards, a good display of close passing between Lee, Reid, and Wetherall saw Martyn Lee able to break into the box, shoot, and win a corner. John tried to collect the corner, but spilled it. However, unlike Martini, he was able to scamper across the goal mouth to collect the ball safely.

As the Angels took possession they were able to advance down the pitch. Disaster struck for Kingstonian, as Julian Sills cut off the attack, but mistimed his pass to Martini, and Fazackerly was able to run onto the end of it, rounding the keeper before picking his spot. Kingstonian 0 - 2 Tonbridge Angels.

Adam O'Neill very nearly set up a third for the Angels, placing the ball into the path of Ray Powell, who shot just wide. Leroy Higgins then went close, again losing his marker, before Sills was able to cut short his run with a well timed tackle.

As the clock began to run down, both sides gave away a series of clumsy free-kicks for minor infringements, causing the exciting and fast-play play to slow down. However, there were still chances in the game. Tony Dolby sent Adam O'Neill free on the left wing, and both Taylor and Martini left the ball to skid through for a goal-kick, but not before a few fans pace-makers needed replacing.

Kingstonian managed to win possession of the ball and worked it up field. And in the 87th minute Martyn Lee was finally able to hit the back of the net for Kingstonian. Kingstonian 1 - 2 Tonbridge Angels. Mazin Ahmad had an even later chance, hitting a shot narrowly over the bar. As the ball left the ground, the referee was able to blow for full-time, to signal the end to another disappointing evening for Kingstonian.

Kingstonian were left to rue the unfortunate defensive errors that led to both Angels goals. And the injury to defensive stalwart Reeks forced them into a change of personnel. However, they did have opportunities to score goals, and ultimately if they continue to fail to take these opportunities, then progression above this league will become very difficult indeed.