Despite a positive opening forty-five minutes at high-flying Dulwich Hamlet, Tonbridge Angels fell to a disappointing midweek defeat losing 2-0 at Champion Hill.
In tricky wet and blustery conditions the Angels started the better side. Manager Steve McKimm’s strategy was clear to see and well implemented by his charges. Their high tempo pressing game caused the hosts into an error-strewn opening whilst Tonbridge should have taken an early lead on two occasions.
From an early warning when Tom Parkinson’s low cross across the six-yard box went unpunished, Flavia Tavares missed a glorious chance reacting quickest from a poor back-header by Fraser Shaw. Beating ‘keeper Phil Wilson to the ball 8yds out, Tavares could only poke the ball wide of the left hand post.
Chris Piper then found Dee Okojie alone on the left corner of the penalty area but he disappointingly dragged his shot wide of Wilson’s near post.
The home side took the lead with their first foray into The Angels’ penalty area – Dulwich forward Jordan Hibbert went down under a challenge on the left side of the box with referee Rob Smith decisive in awarding a spot-kick. From the press box it looked a ball-winning tackle albeit from behind which may have swung the decision – Ashley Carew confidently scoring from the spot low into Tom Hadler’s right hand corner – The ‘keeper going the right way but unable to claw it out.
For a brief spell after going behind The Angels lost their stride with the hosts taking the ascendency – Dulwich putting the visiting defence under pressure but McKimm’s men held firm as ‘keeper Hadler failed to be tested.
The Angels soon found their stride again, taking over proceedings keeping hold of the ball well but unable to seriously test Wilson’s goal – Okojie coming closest after good work on the left and cutting inside but his well struck shot from the edge of the box was deflected over en route to goal.
The Angels then fell two down right before the half time whistle – Omar Koroma reacting quickest to a loose ball right in front of goal, stabbing it past the helpless Hadler – A soft goal to concede, especially just before the break.
Dulwich’s second goal right on half time proved to end the game as a contest. The second half was a tepid affair with The Angels struggling to get a foothold in the game after the restart.
Lacking composure and confidence evident throughout the first half, the visitors’ chances were limited in getting back into the game. Substitute Alex Teniola found space down the right hand side but his weak effort was well parried by Dulwich ‘keeper Wilson’s legs whilst Jack Parter’s header at the back post – The Angels’ best chance in the second half – was well saved by Wilson from close range.
The Angels did however prove to be resolute in defence, keeping out the hosts under increasing pressure – Dulwich limited to chances on goal with Nathan Clunis going close early in the second half whilst substitute Harry Ottaway only had to get the slightest of touches to send the ball into the back of the net but failed to do so.
With five minutes remaining The Angels looked to have a great chance to set up a grandstand finish when Okojie was felled just inside the penalty box on the right hand side. The linesman flagged for a foul but the officials inexplicably awarded a free kick just outside the box.
Dulwich consolidate third place in the table despite winning as Maidstone also picked up three points whilst The Angels’ league position remains unchanged just above the relegation zone.
Dulwich Hamlet: Wilson, Abnett, Shaw, Carew, Forbes ©, Pinnock, Clunis, Dixon (Vidal, 54), Koroma (Jarrett, 67), James, Hibbert (Ottaway, 67)
Subs not used: Kamara, McCoulsky
Goals: Carew 18 (pen), Koroma 45
Tonbridge Angels: Hadler, Folkes, Parter, Piper, Campbell ©, Ball, Tavares (Teniola, 61), Parkinson, Williams, Whitnell (Greenidge, 76), Okojie
Subs not used: Sobers, Brivio, Carey
Referee: Mr Rob Smith
Assistants: Mr Christopher Reid and Mr Mark Roberts
Att: 421