Tonbridge’s win at Stonebridge Road was their first since 1986 in the League and was also their third away victory so far this season.

Ebbsfleet had more possesion than Tonbridge but could not find the back of the net which was partly due to some great defending from the Angels, and the lack of the killer instinct.

The game started with Ebbsfleet on the front foot and in the second minute Bobby Joe Taylor tried his luck but saw his shot go just past the post.

In the sixth minute Ben Greenhalgh saw his 30 yard shot go past the post. Tonbridge were defending deep and catching Ebbsfleet on the counter, in the 19^th minute Greenhalgh put Khale De Costa in on the right wing, his low cross saw Tom Wood slide in for it but he couldn’t make a connection.

Three minutes later Lee Martin found himself in the area, from 12 yards saw his shot go over the bar. Ebbsfleet kept the momentum up and were causing a few problems but Tonbridge’s defence held firm.

In the 40^th minute Martin again in the area reacted quickly to a deflected shot and from six yards saw his effort saved by Jon Henly.

Five minutes later, Ebbsfleet could have taken the lead when Jack Paxman charging down the right saw his low cross find Rakish Bingham 12 yards out on his but his shot went well over the bar.

With just a few seconds of the half left to go, Tonbridge got the first goal of the game when some great interplay down the right wing was James Folkes get a low cross to the near post where Tom Wood swept past Jordan Holmes.

Half Time 0-1

The second half started with Ebbsfleet on the front foot as they continued to knock on the door hoping to get an equaliser while Tonbridge were happy to sit back and counter attack when possible.

In the 50^th minute Will Woods on the right cut inwards and from 25 yards saw his go just wide. Two minutes later Tonbridge’s Da Costa saw his cross get half cleared to Greenhalgh, from 20 yards saw his shot go just past the post. 

A minute later Adam Mekki a half time substitute saw his 20 yard shot cleared off the line Sonny Miles.  Ebbsfleet were now controlling possession and did cause a few scares for the Tonbridge defence but with some stout defending they kept them out.

The last real chance came in the 83^rd minute Martin on the right saw his cross into the area find Bingham but unopposed he headed over the bar.

In the last few minutes Ebbsfleet had a shout for a penalty but the Referee said no and to be fair it would have been harsh on Tonbridge.

The final whistle went and the Tonbridge contingent celebrated while the Ebbsfleet players trooped off and then a scuffle occurred when one of the Ebbsfleet coaching staff called the Tonbridge team a pub team which is a bit of sour grapes.

        Ebbsfleet United:

1. J.Holms   2. T. Adebayo Rowling   3. B.J.Taylor  5. B.Frempah  9. R.Bingham  11. L.Martin

14.I.Allen (45)   16. W.Woods (70) 18. A.Egan (70)  21 J.Paxman  23. C.Rowan

Subs Used:  7. A.Mekkie (45)  17. A.Elrich (70)  22. B.Chapman (70)

Subs Not Used:  8. J.Payne  1. T.Hadler

Bookings:  9. R.Bingham (34)

       Tonbridge Angels:

1.  J.Henly  2. J.Folkes  3. J.Parter   4. D Theobalds  5. S.Miles  6. R.Bray  7. K Decosta

8.     T.Phipp (59)  9.T.Wood (80)  10. B.Greenhalgh  11. J.Turner

Subs Used:  12. A.Akrofi (59)   16. J.Williams (80)

Subs Not Used:  14. K.Campbell  15. J.Splatt   17. J.Shaw

        Bookings:  6. R.Bray (57)  9. T.Wood (66)  3. J.Parter (80)  1.J.Henly (87)

Referee:  Mr J.Packman

Assistants: Mr R.Head  &  Mr J.Hirst