| It would be very easy to look at this scoreline and compare it with the previous week's result against Met. Police then decide that there were few positives to take from another home defeat. That would be the wrong conclusion. In the seven days since the Police came back from two goals down to secure an unlikely three points, much work has been done on and off the training pitch and the air has been cleared. As ever at Suburban level, there were many team changes, with Dan Kennard, Taylor Gough, Luke Whiteman and Dwayne Lowe-Simms all promoted from the Under 18s, with Glynn Stephens and Ian Barrado in tandem on the bench for the first time this season. Tonbridge, meanwhile, were promoted from the South Division last term and had started this one strongly, so arrived at Short Lane a confident and well-drilled outfit. This was underlined by their energetic start, which saw them take a fourth minute lead when Alwayne Jones struck a twenty yard shot beyond Kennard. The visitors were the better side during the first quarter of the match yet seemed to be struggling with their footwear, as at least three of their players lost their footing in the first twenty-five minutes, despite the firm surface and glorious afternoon.  | Back on the bench: Manager Glynn Stephens |
Ashford were having no such issues, but did need to alter their formation before they established a foothold in the game. Having done this, the Tangerines looked more dangerous, with Moses Phillips' invention placing Tonbridge goalkeeper Jordan Busby under a modicum of pressure. Soon after that, a Martin Jackson free-kick had the visiting defence in a flap to the point a corner was conceded. Shortly afterwards, a good move saw the Ash Trees stretch Tonbridge down the left flank, although the low cross to right wing-back Sonny Russell saw Russell shoot narrowly wide. The visitors had looked dangerous throughout this purple patch for the home team and a lapse in concentration allowed Tonbridge to double their lead in first-half stoppage time. A corner was not adequately cleared and reach Sonny Miles, whose volley took a slight deflection on it's way into Kennard's net. The home side started the second half strongly, with a Taylor Gough cross being headed over, with the physical presence of both teams leading to a bout of "handbags" which was quickly dealt with. During this period, Tonbridge's Jones went down with an injury caused by problems unknown - none of the officials, nor most of the players saw the incident, yet the visiting bench saw fit to swear repeatedly at both the bench-side Assistant Referee and spectators in the Main Stand, so incensed were they by what they claimed was a late challenge. Happily, Jones was able to continue and things calmed down again, although Jones was subsequently substituted. Chasing the game, Town replaced Whiteman with Lowe-Simms, but the visitors looked stronger - a Chris Kinnear shot being well saved by Kennard. The resultant corner saw Kinnear blast well over the crossbar. Ashford continued to toil, but only a shot from Reece Jackson tested Busby. Tonbridge added a third in stoppage time, when Jon Heath beat Kennard to the ball, leaving his fellow substitute Ashley Dann with a simple finish to put the seal on what was a deserved win, but possibly slightly flattering margin of victory for the visiting team. For Ashford to break their home hoodoo (they have lost all five home league matches, yet are unbeaten away from Short Lane), they need to harness the attacking brio of the match against the Met, with a defensive discipline that has so far proved difficult to sustain for ninety minutes. |
Wednesday, 08 February 2012
