Two second half goals from prolific striker Billy Medlock, taking him to fourteen in sixteen matches this season, were enough to break Tonbridge Angels’ three match losing streak. 

After a goalless first period played out in constant rain, the Angels’ fortune improved with the weather as the game finished in bright sunshine.

Tonbridge assistant manager, Barry Moore, reflected on the result, saying, “coming off the back of three defeats, especially the one at Redhill, we knew we were not a million miles away from getting a result. We said that the lads had to believe in themselves and be patient.”

“Nathan (Campbell) and Jack (Parter) have come in to fill gaps today and played well. We’ve really limited their chances and had the bit of luck that has been missing.”

“We felt we were going from back to front too quickly, with the ball going in the air towards Billy Medlock and Tommy Whitnell, but they couldn’t get hold of it due to the two big centre-halves. We moved Chris inside, played five in the middle to create gaps and our play really improved.”

“Billy is a box player. He might not look like he’s doing much, but he still works hard.  But get the ball into the box, and it’s our job to work the ball to him, his goal ratio is outstanding.”

Due to the greasy surface, the quality of football in the opening minutes was poor, but it was Hampton & Richmond Borough who got to grips with the pitch quicker. Paris Mason was picked out in the Angels’ penalty area, but Kyle Merson was quickly out to block Mason’s effort, with James Folkes covering his goalkeeper to head the rebound off the line.  Mason was injured in the attempt, which saw him replaced later in the half.

Although they weren’t creating many clear chances, the visitors were dominating the midfield.  Charlie Moone had a shot blocked by Laurence Ball’s challenge, then the forward passed up a golden opportunity; confusion between Merson and Nathan Campbell allowed Moone to nip between them, but Moone’s toe-poke found the side netting.

This forced Tonbridge to move Chris Piper into the middle on his 150th appearance for the club, and from here on, Piper had a growing influence on matters. A 50-yard crossfield ball allowed Dee Okojie to get in behind the Hampton left back, but the winger’s attempted shot flew across the face of goal. Piper then released Billy Medlock, but Jack Norton was alert to get a block on Medlock’s shot to ensure a clean sheet at the interval.

Early in the second half, Lee Carey had a shot that skidded of the turf into Norton’s arms, then Parter had to head a Billy Jeffrey’s effort off the line, before Medlock broke the deadlock on 53. A good passing move saw Carey set Folkes away down the right wing. The fullback’s cross was glanced goalward by Tommy Whitnell and, as Norton started to dive for Whitnell’s effort, Medlock nipped in to steer the ball into the opposite corner.

With the sun shining brightly, the quality of the football from both sides improved. Parter did well to block a shot from Jerome Federico, who was giving Parter a torrid time with his direct running. Medlock was denied by Norton having been released by Carey’s pinpoint ball, and Karle Carder volleyed acrobatically wide from a Federico cross.

Moone fired another shot wide following a nimble spin to evade his marker, but the game was sealed on 78 as Medlock doubled his tally.

Whitnell caressed a ball over the back four that sent Medlock chasing. Norton came to the edge of his area and seemed to have the ball covered, but somehow it slipped from his grasp into the path of Medlock, who had time to sidefoot his shot home ahead of the chasing defenders.

As hard as Hampton tried, Tonbridge’s defence was well marshalled by Ball, allowing the home side to claim their 5th home win from 8 games.

TONBRIDGE ANGELS: Kyle Merson, James Folkes, Jack Parter (Ben King 69), Lee Carey, Laurence Ball, Nathan Campbell, Chris Piper (Alex Teniola 76), Tom Parkinson, Billy Medlock, Tommy Whitnell, Dee Okojie.

Subs not used: Harrison Tweddle, Charlie Slocombe, Flavio Tavares.

Goals: Billy Medlock 53 & 78.

Booking: Jack Parter 43, Billy Medlock 74.

HAMPTON & RICHMOND BOROUGH: Jack Norton, Tommy Brewer, George Wells, Saheed Sankoh, Billy Jeffreys, Moussa Diarra, Paris Mason (Luke Wanadio 35 (Justyn Roberts 78), Jesse Kewley-Graham, Karle Carder, Charlie Moone, Jerome Federico.

Subs not used: Thomas Okopu, Gareth Chendcik, Ben Osman.

Booking: Charlie Moone 70, Saheed Sankoh 74.

Referee: Mr Stuart Butler (Maidstone)
Assistants: Mr Steve Perry and Mr Ryan Whittaker (both Bexleyheath)