BOWMAN ON THE ROAD: Angels wings clipped by the Hillians

90 pulsating mins later it was the Hillians who claimed all three points.

November turned into a bad month for Ian Chapman his team claiming only one Ryman League point and sliding down the table. The previous week’s visit to Hendon hardly inspired confidence when faltering to an ugly one nil loss. During the week Ian, via the local media, told his team we are in a relegation battle. So it was with a little in trepidation that I made my way to Longmead Stadium just outside Tonbridge. Thanks to Steve for driving (M23 M25 100 mile round trip). The Angels have a home to be very proud of. Two great covered terraces both ends, a neat main stand which runs the entire length of the pitch, a directors and press stand, plus the best TV gantry at this level. Coupled with a spacious club house it does look as though Tonbridge are getting ready for the National stage already

Storm Desmond thumped across the ground for much of the game but that didn’t seem to effect the quality on show. Both teams were willing to get the ball wide and work some great crosses into the box. Sam Gargan was on hand to tap home a 2nd min goal for the visitors which just seemed to settle nerves through out the team and away fans. Man of the Match ex Brighton and Hove player Nathan Elder then put the hosts level late in the 1st half. A top class back stick header which left Josh James no chance. Early in the 2nd half Gargan drilled a free kick against the bar which left Ian Chapman hands on head. To compound matters Elder, just a few mins later, found space in the box to head home their 2nd goal. But it wasn’t a day for giving up. Sam Fisk made a break down the left and sent in a fierce low cross which a defender sliced past his own keeper. Then as Tonbridge wobbled Chris Smith broke the off side trap to joyously lob the keeper three two. What a game!

There wasn’t a huge away contingent for this one so perhaps the absentees might be kicking themselves. But for those that made the trip Ian and his team produced a very early Christmas present. The half way point of our debut Ryman Premier league was signed off in some style, perhaps we can all start looking up again.

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