Tonbridge Angels won a visit to Sittingbourne by knocking Welling United out of the Kent Reliance Senior Cup.

Having not played for ten days, manager Steve McKinn selected a strong team.

However, Jamie Day, mindful of a long trip ahead this weekend, went for a team of players recovering from injury, in need of playing time, or development squad players who would benefit from the experience.

Charlie Penny, making his first start following an injury in pre-season was brought down inside the penalty area but smashed his spot-kick over the crossbar.

Minutes later, the Angels went ahead. Billy Medlock, who had already looked lively, worked his way through and gave Jonathan Henly no chance.

Jon Nouble’s long cross just failed to pick out Malik Ouani at the far post before Tom Parkinson shot wide for the Angels.

Ex Wing Tommy Whitnell had a shot saved by Henly before Nathan Campbell defended superbly when Penny and Kieron St. Aimie sprung the offside trap.

St. Aimie was brought down by James Folkes on the edge of the area but slammed the ensuing free kick into the wall, then the rebound into the crowd of defenders. Folkes was booked for the original foul and Parkinson for dissent.

After 39 minutes, Tonbridge doubled their lead. Whitnell worked his way through before firing across the face of goal for Medlock to tuck home.

Whitnell then had a header and a shot saved before Tonbridge added a third. A corner was met by an unmarked Parkinson who powered his header home.

Both Tonbridge goalscorers were replaced at the break but Tonbridge were soon pressing again.

Lee Carey fired over from a half cleared corner, Henly made a smart save at the near post and Alex Teniola headed over,

Penny and St. Aimie were withdrawn after 55 minutes and a minute later Welling pulled a goal back through Ouani’s free kick.

Dee Okojie tested Henly with a long shot before each team made their final change with Whitnell withdrawn from the Angels and the tidy Steve Gunner being replaced for the Wings.

Archie Johnson headed wide for Welling before Henly turned over another shot from Teniola.

Veteran Chris Piper hit a free kick over and Teniola shot over from a Folkes cross as Tonbridge saw the game out comfortably.

 

Welling United: Henly, Ocran, Taylor, Corne, Plummer, Dillon, Nouble, Gunner (Birch 60), St. Aimie (Kempton 55), Penny (Johnson 55), Ouani.

Unused substitutes: Hannington, Sondufu.

Tonbridge Angels: Merson, Folkes, Parter, Carey, Ball, Campbell, Piper, Parkinson (Drivio 46), Medlock (Teniola 46), Whitnell (Tavares 60), Okojie.

Unused substitutes: Slocombe, McCarthy.