Tonbridge Angels 3 Chippenham Town 2
First of all, this was so much more than just a football match.
This was a day which began with poignancy but ended in the most uplifting way possible as a footballer who touched our hearts was remembered with tears but also smiles and laughter on the most joyous of occasions.
The day was quite simply a magnificent tribute to Devonte Aransibia, the talented midfielder who quickly became a fan favourite at Tonbridge and who so tragically died just over a year ago.
The bond between Tonbridge Angels and Devonte’s heartbroken family was already strong but today’s events surely cemented them forever more.
So many people played their part including the National League which gave Angels special dispensation to play in green – Devonte’s favourite colour – instead of their traditional blue.
And credit too, to visitors Chippenham Town who understood the significance of the day and showed real class throughout.
Devonte’s family were well represented including his mum Michelle, dad Andy, six-year-old son, Santiago and Dev’s partner Amy.
It was Santiago, wearing Angels colours, who led the sides out, a fitting mascot who stole hearts all day with his infectious smiles and enthusiasm in front of a crowd boosted by hundreds of local schoolchildren who the club provided with free tickets.
Angels boss Alan Dunne made just the one change from the side beaten at Hornchurch with Matty Warren coming in for Naz Bakrin who was on the bench.
With Andy Aransibia behind the goal encouraging the fans, it took Angels just three minutes to take the lead. Chippenham failed to deal with a Sean Shields corner and when the ball fell to Noah McCann, he made no mistake finishing from inside the six yard box.
Ten minutes later, the visitors were level when skipper Luke Haines finished excellently giving Laurie Shala no chance.
A tight first half swung Angels way on 34 when a Shields free-kick skimmed off a Chippenham head and there was Ethan Sutcliffe at the back post to force the ball home.
Once more the lead was short-lived, as a fine cross by Lewis Colwell was met by Ezio Touray who planted his header past Shala to make it 2-2 on 39.
Three minutes later, Ricky Korboa had a great chance to make it 3-2 but he was thwarted by a last ditch block from Freddie Grant.
At half time Dunne replaced Tom Leahy with Bunmi Babajide who had a significant hand in Tonbridge’s third on 56. Driving at the Chippenham defence he freed Kyle Smith whose excellent cross was finished expertly at the far post by Alfie Pavey.
Both sides had further chances but it was to finish 3-2.
Throughout the game, Angels fans had been singing songs in Devonte’s name and this continued after the final whistle with some quite beautiful and unforgettable scenes.
Angels fans and players and Devonte’s family including Santiago came together to sing and dance in memory of this fine player.
Speaking after the match, Alan Dunne said: “It was a special day for Devonte with his family here and we wanted to put on a show. We weren’t at our best in the first half but I thought in the second half, there was only one team in it and we got the win I think we deserved. We wanted to do it for Devonte and the fans were outstanding and really got behind us.”
Alfie Pavey whose second half goal proved decisive said: “Today was a bit more than just a football match and I want to send my love to Devonte’s family. What a special day the club has put on for him. Being a father myself, seeing his son’s little face really touches home, and seeing him smiling really gave us a massive lift.”
There was an electric atmosphere in the Yeomans Community Stadium Sports Bar afterwards when Angels chair Sophie Purves paid tribute to Devonte and his family, describing little Santiago as ‘a star’ while also praising Chippenham Town for the part they played.
Andy Aransibia, Dev’s father said: “Today has been an incredible occasion. I can’t find the words. It has been just wonderful,” while his mother Michelle said: “It’s been beautiful.”
Taking the mic in the sports bar, close family friend Michael Marius thanked the club and the players for rising to the occasion.
The rain, which had held off all afternoon, finally came down in buckets but could not dampen the spirits of everyone present as the song which has been sung at every Angels match, home and away, since Devonte’s death, resounded around the sports bar:
“Sing a Song for Devonte.”
“We Will Never Let You Go.”
“You will always be.”
“An Angel To Me.”
Some days are bigger than football. This was one of them.
Tonbridge Angels: Shala, Williams (Bakrin) Warren, Sutcliffe, Korboa, Leahy (Babajide), McCann, Thompson, Shields (Akehurst), Smith, Pavey (Baker)
Subs not used: West-Astuti, Wagstaff, Sablier
Report By: Matt Eastley
