Tonbridge Angels 2 – 3 Wealdstone
Tonbridge Angels
2 - 3
WealdstoneDespite the score-line Wealdstone comfortably steered their way to a crucial win at Longmead Stadium on Saturday and in the process seemed to have regained the X factor that propelled them into a solid play-off spot prior to the intensities of their Cup adventure that has wrought injury and hype-out.
Even better news for Stones was the return of Marvin McCoy who was to play in a more advanced position on the right flank, Greg Ngoyi and goalkeeper Luke Woods. Loan player from Colchester United Sam Corcoran was on the bench but later came on for Ryan Ashe who had an excellent game in the midfield, whilst Lee Protheroe featured at right back and also did well with some measured play .
Stones looked very lively and up for the battle from the first whistle, and Danny Spendlove was just off target after only a few minutes play. Then Greg Ngoyi managed to get free of his marker but his shot was charged down.
Tonbridge came back into the action with Steve Ferguson doing well on the flank when he managed to get free of a hard working Stones defence that won most of the aerial balls in the first period. But it was the away side that enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, instigated by the ball winning of Chris O’Leary and Ryan Ashe.
Marvin McCoy was causing increasing problems for the Angels defence with his electric pace and skill and from his cross on 23 minutes Ashe served a real warning to the home side with a header that was only just over Lee Worgan’s cross bar.
Stones made the break through to stun the home crowd 5 minutes later when following good build up play the ball was swung in by Lee Chappell and appeared to elude everyone in the box but Greg Ngoyi stretched to claim the final touch although Lee Chappell will contest this!
Within a minute Stones were 2-0 up with the home defence completely caught cold. Lee Chappell found himself positioned nicely to smash the ball in giving Worgan absolutely no chance to parry.
HT 0-2
Tonbridge had without doubt been given a tongue lashing by their manager Tommy Warrilow during the break and they came out looking far more determined and eager to press forward. And within a minute they clawed a goal back when a good run down the left flank was met by an unmarked Carl Rook and his header flashed past Luke Woods and it appeared to be game on for the home side.
And for the next 15 minutes it certainly was game on as Stones found themselves under real and sustained pressure for the first time in the entire match. Angels were quicker to the ball all over the park during this period but Stones survived a few scares and gradually regained their defensive composure with Alan Massey and Darren Locke forming a solid wall at the back.
Stones were now looking to break quickly on the counter as Angels pushed up looking for the equaliser. Spendlove started to gain some freedom but couldn’t quite create a clear cut chance for Ngoyi. Then Mark E’Beyer was desperately close with a viciously struck shot that was palmed away for a corner as Stones again looked more threatening.
Spendlove was subbed by Callum Martin on 58 minutes to mark his continuing re-emergence following a long lay off from persistent injury.
And from the corner taken by Ryan Ashe, Stones went further ahead when an unmarked Greg Ngoyi looked back to his best as he rose high to flick a great header past Worgan for 3-1.
Conditions deteriorated as rain fell over the mid Kent landscape as the home side again upped the tempo to search for something from what now appeared to be a lost cause.
Charlie Mpi then came on for Greg Ngoyi whose groin injury had slowed him down and the lanky striker’s pace was immediately felt by Angels stretched defence.
Stones were caught out when Tonbridge were allowed to run at the defence and the ball was somehow bundled in but it was too late for the home side to snatch a point in a game that Stones deserved to win on the back of a solid all round performance.
Wealdstone now look forward to meeting Horsham on Tuesday evening (15th December) at The Vale and will attempt to continue their movement back up the table.
Wealdstone: Woods, Protheroe, Chappell, Locke, Massey, Ashe, McCoy, O’Leary, Spendlove, Ngoyi, E’Beyer. Subs used: Martin, Mpi, Corcoran. N/u: Beagle (GK), During.
Crowd: 439.
Steve Foster Match Pics HERE