A fine blend of youth and experience saw Angels through to a comfortable victory against a strangely lack lustre Metropolitan Police.

Despite losing their holding midfielder, Craig Stone to injury after just 4 minutes and having to reorganise their defence Tonbridge had much the better of the first half with chances falling to Sam Bantick in the 3rd minute, Alex Akrofi after 15 minutes and finally the opening goal after 27 minutes following a great move involving Callum Adonis-Taylor, Akrofi with Joe Turner applying the finishing touch.

Despite three chances for Metropolitan Police falling to Lloyd Macklin it was the Angels who continued to dominate with further opportunities for Turner and Bantick.

In terms of goalmouth action it was a quieter second half but the home side had a confidence about their play despite having to field a number of their younger players due to injury and budget cuts. That confidence was confirmed in the 51st minute when 18 year old Liam Smith stole round the back of the Met Police defence to plant a header from Turner’s corner to claim the all important second goal and his first senior strike.

With the two goal cushion the home side were comfortable and it wasn’t until stoppage time that the Police showed why they are potential play off contenders with substitute Ryan Myers and Jay Gasson attempting to claim a consolation goal but it was in vain.

It was little wonder that Angels boss, Steve McKimm was delighted with the taking of another play off contender’s scalp following the defeat of Staines Town two weeks ago at Longmead. “I was so pleased with the way our younger players performed this afternoon. That said the more experienced players also contributed their part by their advice and encouragement. We had no less than five young players out there who showed a maturity beyond their years.”