There seems to be no let up in the Angels miserable run of form that in nine league games has seen just one win and one draw.

Bottom of the form table, now languishing in 9th position, and having been one of the early pacesetters, the Angels season is now at risk of disappearing without trace.

Today’s latest reverse, a 3-0 away defeat at the hands of Carshalton Athletic, simply puts more pressure on Tonbridge boss, Steve McKimm, to find answers to the current malaise. Inability to convert chances is costing the team dear and despite brave utterances from both the management team and the players, there seems to be a lack of confidence around the place particularly once they find themselves chasing a game.

In fairness this wasn’t the worst performance of the season from Tonbridge and whilst their hosts deserved the points, it wasn’t a ‘3-0’ performance from the Robins. The visitors had plenty of possession and played some attractive football in the final third but get anywhere near goal and their tactics became too obvious with a lack of guile and bravery with their hosts able to snuff out with almost routine efficiency.

An honourable exception to the failings of the Angels players must go to new signing D’Sean Theobalds who throughout the game provided a series of incisive passes but unfortunately his colleagues were unable to take advantage.

McKimm finally did concede to the wishes of many supporters by playing two up front and initially it seemed to make a difference with as early as the 2nd minute a great chance falling to Alex Read but the header was just over. The visitors continued to play the better football but with probably only their second real attack of the game in the 20th minute Carshalton took the lead. A strong run down the right and quality cross was temporarily ended by a good Jonny Henly save but the ball rebounded to Tommy Bradford who finished clinically.

On the half hour mark Tom Murphy and Theobalds combined well with the latter through on goal but the angle became too tight and the cross didn’t find a blue shirt. Sonny Miles overhead kick and Tom Murphy’s fierce shot represented decent chances for the Angels but on 45 minutes it was the hosts who forced a good save from Henly; in first half stoppage time it was that Murphy/Theobalds connection that almost brought joy for the Angels but Murphy’s effort was just wide.

There was a huge chance for the visitors just two minutes into the second period when Joe Turner’s clever cross was completely missed by both Murphy and Read when both were well placed. Almost inevitably it was to prove a very expensive.

The game was wrapped up for Carshalton in a nine minute spell. On 50 minutes Christie Pattison scored with a brilliant hooked shot from the edge of the area following some heavy pressure on the Tonbridge goal, and nine minutes later following a good move down the left and more Carshalton pressure the game was put out of reach when the unfortunate Arthur Lee was adjudged to have put through his own goal.

Tonbridge kept plugging away bit in truth it felt like a lost cause. Theobalds, Lee, Turner, and Tom Parkinson all attempted to at least get some form of consolation but there was no further addition to the scoreline. The result sees Tonbridge’s goal difference go negative for the first time this season and perhaps more significantly places them in 9th position.

Angels Assistant Manager, Barry Moore said afterwards :”We are all devastated including the players that once again we’ve fallen short and the bad run continues. I’d like to thank the travelling support for their loyalty and their applause to the team at the final whistle.”

Angels Skipper, Tommy Parkinson tweeted afterwards: “We all need to stick together as a club to turn things round. Players are trying there best to win & will continue to, luck isn’t on our side atm! Every player is 100% behind the gaffa & the staff. Our luck will change & results will improve”