Match 28/25/2371 - Thursday, 2nd October 2025 - FA Youth Cup 2QR
Hollands and Blair U18 (0) 2
Tonbridge Angels U18 (2) 3
Attendance: 80
Admission: £2
Mileage: 36/1,979
Friday, 10 October 2025
Tonbridge Angels 4 Sittingbourne 1
Match 30/25/2373 - Tuesday, 7th September 2025 - Kent Senior Cup 2R
Tonbridge Angels (2) 4 Simon 22 (pen),25,55 Babajide 78
Sittingbourne (1) 1 Salako 43
Attendance: 239
Admission: Pass
Mileage: 38/2,055
Tonbridge Angels eased their way into the Kent Senior Cup Third Round with a comfortable win over a spirited Sittingbourne side.
A hat-trick for Eddie Simon paved the way, although a Sittingbourne goal just before the break left the game still in the balance.
Alan Dunne gave several players valuable minutes whilst resting others. Goalkeeper Mackenzie Foley and Antonio Morgan were given debuts whilst Mackenzie Richardson, Martell Taylor-Crossdale and Jack Matton made first starts under the new gaffer.
The home dominated the proceedings from the outset with the Sittingbourne goalkeeper, Joe Osaghae saving from Taylor-Crossdale, Bradley Williams and Simon.
The breakthrough came on 22 minutes when Simon converted from the penalty spot after Brandon Pierrick had been brought down.
The Angels quickly doubled their lead, three minutes later, when Bobby Unwin cut in from the right before pulling the ball back from the bye-line for Simon to score from close range between Osaghae and his near post.
Sittingbourne produced a spirited conclusion to the first half with Michael Salako lobbing over the bar; Ivan Balliu shooting wide before Salako pulled a goal back, tucking home the rebound after a shot from Balliu came back from the post and when a poor pass was intercepted leaving Emmanuel Robe to shoot wildly over the bar, perhaps a few alarm bells were ringing.
Jordan Higgs and Naz Bakrin were introduced immediately after the break for Richardson and Arthur Penney as the Angels seized back control of the game and restored their two goal advantage on 55 minutes with a well-worked goal that involved Marcus Sablier and Pierrick who crossed to the far post for Simon to poach his hat-trick goal.
On 78 minutes, a through ball from Taylor-Crossdale was helped into the path of Bunmi Babajide by Luke Woodward who scored past the advancing Osaghae.
Larry McAvoy, taking the post-match interview, commented: “It was a great opportunity for five or six of the boys who haven’t been playing regularly, haven’t got as many minutes as they would have wanted for them to show the manager what they can do. We know, if we are going to be successful this season, we are going to need 18 players. The atmosphere in the dressing room is great, winning again, scoring goals, so tonight we need to maximise what we got out of it and we did that.”
Simon, whose hat-trick was the first by a Tonbridge player since Chinedu McKenzie’s against Harlow in April 2019, added: “Bobby and Brandon put them on a plate for me. I just want to do the same things, over and over, getting myself in the box and hope that another chance comes along. A hat-trick is always nice, I’ve had two goals twice this season, so I wanted to get the third, delighted to have got it.”
Tonbridge Angels (2) 4 Simon 22 (pen),25,55 Babajide 78
Sittingbourne (1) 1 Salako 43
Attendance: 239
Admission: Pass
Mileage: 38/2,055
Tonbridge Angels eased their way into the Kent Senior Cup Third Round with a comfortable win over a spirited Sittingbourne side.
A hat-trick for Eddie Simon paved the way, although a Sittingbourne goal just before the break left the game still in the balance.
Alan Dunne gave several players valuable minutes whilst resting others. Goalkeeper Mackenzie Foley and Antonio Morgan were given debuts whilst Mackenzie Richardson, Martell Taylor-Crossdale and Jack Matton made first starts under the new gaffer.
The home dominated the proceedings from the outset with the Sittingbourne goalkeeper, Joe Osaghae saving from Taylor-Crossdale, Bradley Williams and Simon.
The breakthrough came on 22 minutes when Simon converted from the penalty spot after Brandon Pierrick had been brought down.
The Angels quickly doubled their lead, three minutes later, when Bobby Unwin cut in from the right before pulling the ball back from the bye-line for Simon to score from close range between Osaghae and his near post.
Sittingbourne produced a spirited conclusion to the first half with Michael Salako lobbing over the bar; Ivan Balliu shooting wide before Salako pulled a goal back, tucking home the rebound after a shot from Balliu came back from the post and when a poor pass was intercepted leaving Emmanuel Robe to shoot wildly over the bar, perhaps a few alarm bells were ringing.
Jordan Higgs and Naz Bakrin were introduced immediately after the break for Richardson and Arthur Penney as the Angels seized back control of the game and restored their two goal advantage on 55 minutes with a well-worked goal that involved Marcus Sablier and Pierrick who crossed to the far post for Simon to poach his hat-trick goal.
On 78 minutes, a through ball from Taylor-Crossdale was helped into the path of Bunmi Babajide by Luke Woodward who scored past the advancing Osaghae.
Larry McAvoy, taking the post-match interview, commented: “It was a great opportunity for five or six of the boys who haven’t been playing regularly, haven’t got as many minutes as they would have wanted for them to show the manager what they can do. We know, if we are going to be successful this season, we are going to need 18 players. The atmosphere in the dressing room is great, winning again, scoring goals, so tonight we need to maximise what we got out of it and we did that.”
Simon, whose hat-trick was the first by a Tonbridge player since Chinedu McKenzie’s against Harlow in April 2019, added: “Bobby and Brandon put them on a plate for me. I just want to do the same things, over and over, getting myself in the box and hope that another chance comes along. A hat-trick is always nice, I’ve had two goals twice this season, so I wanted to get the third, delighted to have got it.”
Tonbridge Angels 2 Dover Athletic 1
Match 29/25/2372 - Saturday, 4th September 2025 - National League South
Tonbridge Angels (0) 2 Wagstaff 49 Peart 57
Dover Athletic (1) 1 Jones 24
Attendance: 1,250
Admission: Season Ticket
Mileage: 38/2,017
A brave, tactical decision from manager, Alan Dunne, at the half-time break turned this entertaining Kent derby in the Angels favour after going into the break with a single goal deficit.
Dunney explained in his post-match interview: “I had to change it, take a defender off and be a little more attacking, braver and I was really pleased with the reaction in the second half, there was only one team in it and it showed me, that as a group, we can go a goal down, react and change.”
The Angels manager made one change from Tuesday’s cup replay starting XI with Matty Warren unfit, Scott Wagstaff returned.
Dover Athletic went into the break with their lead courtesy of a 24th minute goal from Jalen Jones, who swept home a shot into the top corner from the right hand angle of six yard box after a Fuad Sesay cross.
In a tight first half, the Angels undoing had been either the lack of a final pass or the passing up of shooting opportunities which led to Dover’s goalkeeper, Mitch Walker, being barely tested.
In first half added time, ex-Angel Ruben Soares-Junior weaved his way into the box before delivering his shot that was brilliantly pushed to safety by Jacob Adams.
Dunney made an immediate substitution after the break introducing Brody Peart for defender Sam German and the more attack-minded structure brought an early dividend as Bailey Akehurst fired in a low shot that Walker could only parry into the path of Scott Wagstaff who, reacting quickest to the loose ball, made no mistake from close range.
Eight minutes later, the Angels hit the front with a well-worked team goal that saw Bunmi Babajide and Marcus Sablier combine before Akehurst crossed across the face of goal for Peart to arrive at the far post to bury his shot into the bottom corner.
Tonbridge dominated the second period, seeing good chances for Sablier and Simon sent wide while their visitors were unable to open up any opportunities leaving the Angels seeing out the game in relative comfort.
Picture: David Couldridge
Tonbridge Angels (0) 2 Wagstaff 49 Peart 57
Dover Athletic (1) 1 Jones 24
Attendance: 1,250
Admission: Season Ticket
Mileage: 38/2,017
A brave, tactical decision from manager, Alan Dunne, at the half-time break turned this entertaining Kent derby in the Angels favour after going into the break with a single goal deficit.
Dunney explained in his post-match interview: “I had to change it, take a defender off and be a little more attacking, braver and I was really pleased with the reaction in the second half, there was only one team in it and it showed me, that as a group, we can go a goal down, react and change.”
The Angels manager made one change from Tuesday’s cup replay starting XI with Matty Warren unfit, Scott Wagstaff returned.
Dover Athletic went into the break with their lead courtesy of a 24th minute goal from Jalen Jones, who swept home a shot into the top corner from the right hand angle of six yard box after a Fuad Sesay cross.
In a tight first half, the Angels undoing had been either the lack of a final pass or the passing up of shooting opportunities which led to Dover’s goalkeeper, Mitch Walker, being barely tested.
In first half added time, ex-Angel Ruben Soares-Junior weaved his way into the box before delivering his shot that was brilliantly pushed to safety by Jacob Adams.
Dunney made an immediate substitution after the break introducing Brody Peart for defender Sam German and the more attack-minded structure brought an early dividend as Bailey Akehurst fired in a low shot that Walker could only parry into the path of Scott Wagstaff who, reacting quickest to the loose ball, made no mistake from close range.
Eight minutes later, the Angels hit the front with a well-worked team goal that saw Bunmi Babajide and Marcus Sablier combine before Akehurst crossed across the face of goal for Peart to arrive at the far post to bury his shot into the bottom corner.
Tonbridge dominated the second period, seeing good chances for Sablier and Simon sent wide while their visitors were unable to open up any opportunities leaving the Angels seeing out the game in relative comfort.
Picture: David Couldridge
Wednesday, 1 October 2025
Tonbridge Angels 5 Cray Valley PM 0
Match 27/25/2370 - Tuesday, 30th September 2025 - FA Cup 3QR Replay
Tonbridge Angels (4) 5 Tumkaya 11 (o.g.) Higgs 25 Simon 31,45+3 (pen) Peart 51
Cray Valley PM (0) 0
Attendance: 572
Admission: Pass
Mileage: 38/1,941
Tonbridge Angels cruised into the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round, where they will meet Chatham Town, after an emphatic replay win over Cray Valley Paper Mills.
From the moment that Ali Tumkaya turned Brody Peart’s cross into his own net after 11 minutes, the Angels were in cruise control and added three more goals in a clinical first half performance.
Alan Dunne, in the Longmead dug-out for the first time, made three changes from Saturday’s goalless encounter at the Artic Stadium with Matty Warren, Marcus Sablier and Bunmi Babajide coming into the starting XI for Scott Wagstaff, Bobby Unwin and Brody Peart, who took places on the bench.
Dunney was forced into a reshuffle after just six minutes when Arthur Penney sustained a shoulder injury following a Cray Valley corner, Peart taking his place.
In his post-match interview, Alan reflected: “I’m really pleased and thought we were excellent, good for it in all departments. We shifted the ball and looked dangerous on the counter. I wanted us to go out there and be expansive, we tweaked the shape to be a bit more aggressive and I felt that worked for us. Losing Arthur early on might have disrupted our momentum but we reacted brilliantly. I’m pleased with the clean sheet and the application of the boys.”
Peart was quickly into the action, picking up a yellow card, before his cross led to the opening goal.
After 25 minutes the Angels doubled their advantage when a right sided corner was only cleared to the edge of the box from where Jordan Higgs drove in a shot, that took a hefty deflection to wrong-foot the Cray goalkeeper, Shaun Rowley-Peart.
The game was effectively over as a contest just past the half-hour as Eddie Simon was on hand to side-foot home from close range after Sablier’s left wing cross had eluded Kurtis Cumberbatch.
The Angels were rampant with further chances for Peart and Bailey Akehurst before a Simon penalty set the seal on a first half of total dominance. A great interchange of passes between Sablier and Babajide saw the latter surge into the box before being unceremoniously blocked by ex-Angel Crossley Lema to offer referee Daniel Baines the opportunity to point to the spot.
The second half was only 10 minutes old when a quickly taken free from Higgs sent Peart away down the right, and after cutting in, his goal bound shot took a deflection to nestle into the corner, adding Tonbridge’s fifth goal.
Game safe, progress in the FA Cup made, Dunney rattled the changes giving minutes to Ben Mundele, Wagstaff, Brandon Pierrick and Martell Taylor-Crossdale at various times through the half.
Jacob Adams made his only real save of the match on the hour, with a low stop from Marcel Barrington and when Lema steered a header wide a minute later it rather summed up the evening for Steve McKimm’s lads. Du
nney was full of praise for the support of his team: “The atmosphere was electric and even after when the boys were in front of them, with the beating of drum, it does help the lads, it creates energy, it was a really good night for the club.”
Tonbridge Angels (4) 5 Tumkaya 11 (o.g.) Higgs 25 Simon 31,45+3 (pen) Peart 51
Cray Valley PM (0) 0
Attendance: 572
Admission: Pass
Mileage: 38/1,941
Tonbridge Angels cruised into the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round, where they will meet Chatham Town, after an emphatic replay win over Cray Valley Paper Mills.
From the moment that Ali Tumkaya turned Brody Peart’s cross into his own net after 11 minutes, the Angels were in cruise control and added three more goals in a clinical first half performance.
Alan Dunne, in the Longmead dug-out for the first time, made three changes from Saturday’s goalless encounter at the Artic Stadium with Matty Warren, Marcus Sablier and Bunmi Babajide coming into the starting XI for Scott Wagstaff, Bobby Unwin and Brody Peart, who took places on the bench.
Dunney was forced into a reshuffle after just six minutes when Arthur Penney sustained a shoulder injury following a Cray Valley corner, Peart taking his place.
In his post-match interview, Alan reflected: “I’m really pleased and thought we were excellent, good for it in all departments. We shifted the ball and looked dangerous on the counter. I wanted us to go out there and be expansive, we tweaked the shape to be a bit more aggressive and I felt that worked for us. Losing Arthur early on might have disrupted our momentum but we reacted brilliantly. I’m pleased with the clean sheet and the application of the boys.”
Peart was quickly into the action, picking up a yellow card, before his cross led to the opening goal.
After 25 minutes the Angels doubled their advantage when a right sided corner was only cleared to the edge of the box from where Jordan Higgs drove in a shot, that took a hefty deflection to wrong-foot the Cray goalkeeper, Shaun Rowley-Peart.
The game was effectively over as a contest just past the half-hour as Eddie Simon was on hand to side-foot home from close range after Sablier’s left wing cross had eluded Kurtis Cumberbatch.
The Angels were rampant with further chances for Peart and Bailey Akehurst before a Simon penalty set the seal on a first half of total dominance. A great interchange of passes between Sablier and Babajide saw the latter surge into the box before being unceremoniously blocked by ex-Angel Crossley Lema to offer referee Daniel Baines the opportunity to point to the spot.
The second half was only 10 minutes old when a quickly taken free from Higgs sent Peart away down the right, and after cutting in, his goal bound shot took a deflection to nestle into the corner, adding Tonbridge’s fifth goal.
Game safe, progress in the FA Cup made, Dunney rattled the changes giving minutes to Ben Mundele, Wagstaff, Brandon Pierrick and Martell Taylor-Crossdale at various times through the half.
Jacob Adams made his only real save of the match on the hour, with a low stop from Marcel Barrington and when Lema steered a header wide a minute later it rather summed up the evening for Steve McKimm’s lads. Du
nney was full of praise for the support of his team: “The atmosphere was electric and even after when the boys were in front of them, with the beating of drum, it does help the lads, it creates energy, it was a really good night for the club.”
Monday, 29 September 2025
Cray Valley PM 0 Tonbridge Angels 0
Match 26/25/2369 - Saturday, 27th September 2025 - FA Cup 3QR
Cray Valley PM (0) 0
Tonbridge Angels (0) 0
Attendance: 470
Admission: Pass
Mileage: 90/1,903
Tonbridge Angels and Cray Valley PM will have to do it all again on Tuesday evening at the Yeomans Community Stadium as a dour FA Cup Third Qualifying Round tie ended goalless.
Alan Dunne’s first game in charge of the Angels brought defensive stability but a lack of a cutting edge in the final third from both sides also brought a comfortable afternoon for the goalkeepers.
The FA Cup, Dunne’s first game, an intriguing first meeting with ex-Angels manager Steve McKimm and the fairly close proximity of the visit brought a large following of Angels supporters to the Artic Stadium, where they probably made up in excess of half of the attendance.
A minute’s silence was respected before the game for the Chichester City player, Billy Vigar, who tragically died this week.
Alan’s first starting XI saw new loan signing Sam German introduced into the back three with Bailey Akehurst and Scott Wagstaff, returning from suspension, for Ben Mundele and Marcus Sablier who dropped to the bench with Alfie Allen injured.
Tonbridge kicked down the pronounced slope in the first half and brought the first save of the half from Shaun Peart-Rowley after nine minutes when Bobby Unwin’s shot was saved, low to his left.
Cray Valley responded with an effort from their captain Barney Williams that, at first, seemed to be sailing high over the bar, but dipped alarmingly.
Chances were very much at a premium, and the best opportunity of the first half, perhaps the best chance of the game, came on 21 minutes when a low cross from the left from Kenny Aileru found its way to the far post where ex-Angel Ibby Akanbi slid in, but his touch only turned the ball wide of the post.
In terms of possession, the Angels dominated but this failed to produce much in the way of goalmouth action with shots from Unwin and Jordan Higgs clearing the bar.
If anything, going up the slope in the second period seemed to suit the visitors better with Brody Peart asking a decent save of the goalkeeper and Unwin pulling a shot wide in the opening 10 minutes.
But the game returned to its dogged battle as Alan Dunne rang the changes in an effort to find the spark that would find the single goal, that it appeared would decide the game. Matty Warren and Brandon Pierrick were introduced for Wagstaff and Unwin just past the hour, Bumni Babajide replacing Eddie Simon on 71 minutes and Sablier on for Bradley Williams.
Pierrick tested Peart-Rowley with six minutes remaining and when Higgs’ free kick sailed over the stand, it rather summed up the afternoon’s attacking output from both sides.
Alan Dunne was, nevertheless pleased with his team’s efforts given the nature of the build-up: “They worked tirelessly right to the end. It has been a difficult week, coming in on Monday with only two sessions in which to work on a change of shape, but after the first 15 minutes in which we adapted, there was only one team in it. These games are never easy, cup football is different with a one-off game. We are disappointed not to win, but the replay for us is important.”
Cray Valley PM (0) 0
Tonbridge Angels (0) 0
Attendance: 470
Admission: Pass
Mileage: 90/1,903
Tonbridge Angels and Cray Valley PM will have to do it all again on Tuesday evening at the Yeomans Community Stadium as a dour FA Cup Third Qualifying Round tie ended goalless.
Alan Dunne’s first game in charge of the Angels brought defensive stability but a lack of a cutting edge in the final third from both sides also brought a comfortable afternoon for the goalkeepers.
The FA Cup, Dunne’s first game, an intriguing first meeting with ex-Angels manager Steve McKimm and the fairly close proximity of the visit brought a large following of Angels supporters to the Artic Stadium, where they probably made up in excess of half of the attendance.
A minute’s silence was respected before the game for the Chichester City player, Billy Vigar, who tragically died this week.
Alan’s first starting XI saw new loan signing Sam German introduced into the back three with Bailey Akehurst and Scott Wagstaff, returning from suspension, for Ben Mundele and Marcus Sablier who dropped to the bench with Alfie Allen injured.
Tonbridge kicked down the pronounced slope in the first half and brought the first save of the half from Shaun Peart-Rowley after nine minutes when Bobby Unwin’s shot was saved, low to his left.
Cray Valley responded with an effort from their captain Barney Williams that, at first, seemed to be sailing high over the bar, but dipped alarmingly.
Chances were very much at a premium, and the best opportunity of the first half, perhaps the best chance of the game, came on 21 minutes when a low cross from the left from Kenny Aileru found its way to the far post where ex-Angel Ibby Akanbi slid in, but his touch only turned the ball wide of the post.
In terms of possession, the Angels dominated but this failed to produce much in the way of goalmouth action with shots from Unwin and Jordan Higgs clearing the bar.
If anything, going up the slope in the second period seemed to suit the visitors better with Brody Peart asking a decent save of the goalkeeper and Unwin pulling a shot wide in the opening 10 minutes.
But the game returned to its dogged battle as Alan Dunne rang the changes in an effort to find the spark that would find the single goal, that it appeared would decide the game. Matty Warren and Brandon Pierrick were introduced for Wagstaff and Unwin just past the hour, Bumni Babajide replacing Eddie Simon on 71 minutes and Sablier on for Bradley Williams.
Pierrick tested Peart-Rowley with six minutes remaining and when Higgs’ free kick sailed over the stand, it rather summed up the afternoon’s attacking output from both sides.
Alan Dunne was, nevertheless pleased with his team’s efforts given the nature of the build-up: “They worked tirelessly right to the end. It has been a difficult week, coming in on Monday with only two sessions in which to work on a change of shape, but after the first 15 minutes in which we adapted, there was only one team in it. These games are never easy, cup football is different with a one-off game. We are disappointed not to win, but the replay for us is important.”
Sunday, 21 September 2025
Worthing 0 Tonbridge Angels 1
Match 25/25/2368 - Saturday, 20th September 2025 - National League South
Worthing (0) 0
Tonbridge Angels (1) 1 Unwin 11
Attendance: 1,661
Admission: Pass
Mileage: 126/1,813
A disciplined and spirited performance from Tonbridge Angels brought their first-ever win at Worthing, who dominated possession in the second period, but a resilient defensive display limited the hosts to just a couple of good opportunities to which Jacob Adams was their equal.
A naturally delighted Craig Nelson commented in his post-match interview: “We always knew it was going to be really difficult to come here and get anything. They are a good side and they displayed that in the second half. The boys did really well and we are over the moon to get three points here.”
It was a game of two halves for the weather as well as a muggy first half turned into a brisk wind and driving rain midway through the second period.
Craig Nelson made one change from the starting XI that progressed in the FA Cup on Tuesday with Eddie Simon returning for Brandon Pierrick, who dropped to the bench.
Tonbridge were well worth their lead at the break, earned with an 11th minute goal from Bobby Unwin, who found the bottom corner after being set up by Marcus Sablier.
It took the home side 36 minutes to register a shot on goal, Teddy Jenks bringing a comfortable save from Adams and 43 minutes to force a corner, such was the discipline of the Angels defence.
After nine minutes a poor clearance from the Worthing goalkeeper, Seb Stacey gave Simon an unguarded goal to shoot at from 25 yards but the ball drifted wide before Unwin gave the Angels the lead which they thoroughly deserved.
Just past the half-hour, Simon was left head in hands as he saw his goal bound shot take a deflection and agonisingly dribble past the post.
The second half saw the home side camped in the Angels’ half for long periods with early chances for Odei Martin Sorondo and a Joel Colbran effort, brilliantly turned over by Adams, as the Angels were being put under sustained pressure.
As the half wore on, and the Rebels began to desperately throw bodies forward, the Angels spurned several breakaway chances to give themselves breathing space.
Worthing’s captain Joe Cook saw a shot go over the bar following a scramble in front of goal and when Harry Ransom spooned another chance over the bar it was the Angels who were seeing out the game on the front foot, as Martell Taylor-Crossdale was sent clear only to shoot straight at Stacey.
Into six minutes of added time, the Angels showed great game management, shepherding the ball into the non-dangerous areas of the pitch, as the clock ticked down to its conclusion and a memorable afternoon at Woodside Road, for once, for all the right reasons.
Worthing (0) 0
Tonbridge Angels (1) 1 Unwin 11
Attendance: 1,661
Admission: Pass
Mileage: 126/1,813
A disciplined and spirited performance from Tonbridge Angels brought their first-ever win at Worthing, who dominated possession in the second period, but a resilient defensive display limited the hosts to just a couple of good opportunities to which Jacob Adams was their equal.
A naturally delighted Craig Nelson commented in his post-match interview: “We always knew it was going to be really difficult to come here and get anything. They are a good side and they displayed that in the second half. The boys did really well and we are over the moon to get three points here.”
It was a game of two halves for the weather as well as a muggy first half turned into a brisk wind and driving rain midway through the second period.
Craig Nelson made one change from the starting XI that progressed in the FA Cup on Tuesday with Eddie Simon returning for Brandon Pierrick, who dropped to the bench.
Tonbridge were well worth their lead at the break, earned with an 11th minute goal from Bobby Unwin, who found the bottom corner after being set up by Marcus Sablier.
It took the home side 36 minutes to register a shot on goal, Teddy Jenks bringing a comfortable save from Adams and 43 minutes to force a corner, such was the discipline of the Angels defence.
After nine minutes a poor clearance from the Worthing goalkeeper, Seb Stacey gave Simon an unguarded goal to shoot at from 25 yards but the ball drifted wide before Unwin gave the Angels the lead which they thoroughly deserved.
Just past the half-hour, Simon was left head in hands as he saw his goal bound shot take a deflection and agonisingly dribble past the post.
The second half saw the home side camped in the Angels’ half for long periods with early chances for Odei Martin Sorondo and a Joel Colbran effort, brilliantly turned over by Adams, as the Angels were being put under sustained pressure.
As the half wore on, and the Rebels began to desperately throw bodies forward, the Angels spurned several breakaway chances to give themselves breathing space.
Worthing’s captain Joe Cook saw a shot go over the bar following a scramble in front of goal and when Harry Ransom spooned another chance over the bar it was the Angels who were seeing out the game on the front foot, as Martell Taylor-Crossdale was sent clear only to shoot straight at Stacey.
Into six minutes of added time, the Angels showed great game management, shepherding the ball into the non-dangerous areas of the pitch, as the clock ticked down to its conclusion and a memorable afternoon at Woodside Road, for once, for all the right reasons.
Wednesday, 17 September 2025
Tonbridge Angels 6 Steyning Town Community 1
Match 24/25/2367 - Tuesday, 16th September 2025 - FA Cup 2QR Replay
Tonbridge Angels (3) 6
Steyning Town Community (0) 1
Attendance: 413
Admission: Pass
Mileage: 38/1,683
After the nervy finish in west Sussex on Saturday, the Angels eased into the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round with an emphatic replay win over Steyning Town Community on Tuesday evening to set up an intriguing tie with Steve McKimm’s Cray Valley Paper Mills.
Two early goals from Brody Peart and Bobby Unwin followed by a third before the half-time break from Arthur Penney set the scene for a comfortable evening at the Yeomans Community Stadium.
Answering the question that “we put on a bit of show”, Craig Nelson commented: “That’s what we should have been looking to replicate in the first game, so it is a shame that we have had to come and do it on a Tuesday night, but there’s nothing better than doing it in front of our own fans. I’m really happy with tonight’s performance.”
On a mild evening, Craig made three changes from Saturday’s starting XI with Alfie Allen, Ben Mundele and Peart coming in for Scott Wagstaff, Bailey Akehurst and Martell Taylor-Crossdale, each of whom dropping to the bench.
In the opening minutes the long throw of Harry Heath, much in evidence for Steyning on Saturday, was hurled into the box, but without the concern that it caused at The Shooting Ground as it sailed out of play.
On seven minutes the Angels hit the front when a long ball punted forward by Nazir Bakrin was controlled as it came out of the night sky with Peart’s first touch taking him inside the defender giving him the space to pick out the far corner of the net.
The lead was doubled on 16 minutes when, from the half-way line, Marcus Sablier sent Unwin clear to roll the ball past Mitch Bromage.
Bromage made a superb save on 36 minutes to turn over the crossbar a rising shot from Allen, after the ball had broken loose on the edge of the box. But the reprieve was only momentary as, from the resultant corner, Penney moved into space, unchallenged, to bury a header from six yards.
Steyning came out for the second period with attacking intent and Heath brought a low save from Jacob Adams on 57 minutes, and a minute later they scored, following a free kick into the box that was only headed into the path of Tad Bromage, who swept the ball home.
Any worries of a Saturday-type comeback were quickly put to bed, after 65 minutes, when Unwin cut in from the right to curl a shot into the far corner from just inside the 18 yard box.
Just two minutes had elapsed when Peart took a clearance from Adams to go forward a few yards, shake off a challenge and unleash a shot from 30 yards that found its way to the net under the body of the sprawling Bromage.
The evening was wrapped up with three minutes remaining as Mackenzie Richardson turned the ball back from the byeline for substitute Bumni Babajide to slide in and touch home at the near post.
Tonbridge Angels (3) 6
Steyning Town Community (0) 1
Attendance: 413
Admission: Pass
Mileage: 38/1,683
After the nervy finish in west Sussex on Saturday, the Angels eased into the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round with an emphatic replay win over Steyning Town Community on Tuesday evening to set up an intriguing tie with Steve McKimm’s Cray Valley Paper Mills.
Two early goals from Brody Peart and Bobby Unwin followed by a third before the half-time break from Arthur Penney set the scene for a comfortable evening at the Yeomans Community Stadium.
Answering the question that “we put on a bit of show”, Craig Nelson commented: “That’s what we should have been looking to replicate in the first game, so it is a shame that we have had to come and do it on a Tuesday night, but there’s nothing better than doing it in front of our own fans. I’m really happy with tonight’s performance.”
On a mild evening, Craig made three changes from Saturday’s starting XI with Alfie Allen, Ben Mundele and Peart coming in for Scott Wagstaff, Bailey Akehurst and Martell Taylor-Crossdale, each of whom dropping to the bench.
In the opening minutes the long throw of Harry Heath, much in evidence for Steyning on Saturday, was hurled into the box, but without the concern that it caused at The Shooting Ground as it sailed out of play.
On seven minutes the Angels hit the front when a long ball punted forward by Nazir Bakrin was controlled as it came out of the night sky with Peart’s first touch taking him inside the defender giving him the space to pick out the far corner of the net.
The lead was doubled on 16 minutes when, from the half-way line, Marcus Sablier sent Unwin clear to roll the ball past Mitch Bromage.
Bromage made a superb save on 36 minutes to turn over the crossbar a rising shot from Allen, after the ball had broken loose on the edge of the box. But the reprieve was only momentary as, from the resultant corner, Penney moved into space, unchallenged, to bury a header from six yards.
Steyning came out for the second period with attacking intent and Heath brought a low save from Jacob Adams on 57 minutes, and a minute later they scored, following a free kick into the box that was only headed into the path of Tad Bromage, who swept the ball home.
Any worries of a Saturday-type comeback were quickly put to bed, after 65 minutes, when Unwin cut in from the right to curl a shot into the far corner from just inside the 18 yard box.
Just two minutes had elapsed when Peart took a clearance from Adams to go forward a few yards, shake off a challenge and unleash a shot from 30 yards that found its way to the net under the body of the sprawling Bromage.
The evening was wrapped up with three minutes remaining as Mackenzie Richardson turned the ball back from the byeline for substitute Bumni Babajide to slide in and touch home at the near post.
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