Tonbridge Angels report
Kingstonian have taken a mazy route to relevance this season.
A slow start, cup exits before a recent upturn in form. Tonbridge Angels, on the other hand, have been ‘in and around’ the playoffs since day one, after a hot start to the season. Inevitably then, the meeting between the two sides ended in a draw.
The first half was one of the best periods Ks have put together all season, highlighted by Louis Theophanous putting Leigh Dynan’s side in front. Joe Turner was careless in possession, and Ks capitalised, getting the ball forward quickly allowing Theophanous the chance to step inside and fire inside the near post.
The second half got off to a poor start before it even began as Elliot Buchanan was forced off with an injury. Despite this, Ks continued to press and create, as Buchanan’s replacement Mo Faal’s direct running style caused problems for the Kent side’s backline.
Kingstonian’s Crystal Palace loanees combined to give Ks the chance to seal the game. Tyler Brown’s storming run and cut back presented James Daly with a great opportunity but he could only blaze over.
Suddenly, the impetus was with the visitors and despite plenty of last ditch blocks and brave goalkeeping from Berti Schotterl, a last minute replacement for the ill Rob Tolfrey, eventually the pressure told. A right wing cross somehow found Liam King in acres of space and his header gave Schotterl no chance to give Tonbridge a share of the points.
Kingstonian: Berti Schotterl, Manolis Gogonas, Tyler Brown, Aaron Lamont, Tommy Brewer, Jay Gasson, James Daly, Connor Dymond, Elliott Buchanan, Louie Theophanous, Alfie Doughty.
Subs: David Fitzpatrick (for Louie Theophanous, 78m), Sean Francis (for James Daly, 90m+2), Muhammadu Faal (for Elliott Buchanan, HT), Shaun McAuley, John Oyenuga.
Tonbridge Angels: Jonathan Henly, James Folkes, Sammy Knott, Craig Stone, Callum Adonis-Taylor, Arthur Lee, Jared Small, Tom Parkinson, Alex Read, Tom Beere, Joe Turner.
Subs: Liam Smith, Tommy Whitnell (for Callum Adonis-Taylor, 65m), Adem Ramaden (for Jared Small, 73m), Liam King (for Alex Read, 59m).
Goalscorers: Louie Theophanous (32m, 1-0), Liam King (86m, 1-1)
Attendance: 290