Tunbridge Wells maintained their title challenge with a hard fought victory in an entertaining game at an in form Holmesdale on a beautiful Spring afternoon in Bromley Common.

The well supported visitors started the game on top in terms of possession, but it was Dale who created the best two early chances with Ricardo Campbell and Nicky Wyebrow forcing saves from Lawrence.

Wells finally turned their dominance into chances with Jon Pilbeam and Scott Whibley having efforts saved by Alex Hyde.

Mert Varli missed a good chance for Holmesdale but his effort was gathered by Lawrence as he ran through on goal.

Wells continued to press and after Chris Seenan had a shot cleared off the line the breakthrough came on 21 minutes when Pilbeam set up Richard Sinden who finish with power and accuracy from ten yards out.

The all action full back Lewis Mingle shot narrowly over after a strong run down the left while Joe Fuller and Sinden also had efforts just off target.

Holmesdale rallied with Tyrone Guthrie heading against the post, but going into the break Pilbeam once again set up Sinden, but this time his short was blocked.

The second half saw Tunbridge Wells extend their lead almost immediately when Pilbeam ran through on goal and finished coolly for 2-0 on 48 minutes.

Wells no nonsense style of defending saw Dale frustrated and this boiled over when Daniel Stewart was sent off after clashing with Perry Spackman who was booked for his part.

Lee Radford was denied when one on one with Hyde, Tom Davey hit a free kick just wide and Fuller fired narrowly over after good work by Funnell.

With four minutes to go ten man Dale grabbed a lifeline when Wyebrow scored from a free kick from 25 yards out, but they were unable to mount a serious attack after the goal with Funnell having the last chance of the game for Wells when he saw his effort sail just over the bar.

Martin Larkin’s side were good value for their three points, while too often Holmesdale over played at the back and created problems for themselves by doing so on a very bumpy pitch. 

 

Tunbridge Wells: Lawrence, Bourne, Mingle, Beecroft, Whibley, Spackman, Pilbeam (Ince 77), Davey, Fuller, Seenan (Sinden 10), Radford (Funnell 71).

Subs Not Used: Czanner, Boyle.

Goals: Dale  – Wyebrow 86mins.

Wells – Sinden 21, Pilbeam 48mins.

 

Match Rating:  3/5

Star Man: Jon Pilbeam ( T Wells)

Att: 79