This proved to be an entertaining encounter on a bright sunny afternoon down on the Sussex coast. Tonbridge Angels went into this game looking to bounce back from their defeat on Good Friday against Ebbsfleet United whilst Eastbourne Borough were looking for three points to keep their slim hopes of avoiding relegation alive.
Eastbourne Borough started the game in a very lively manner with Harvey Skieters producing a very good save from Matt Rowley in the opening exchanges. Tonbridge then settled into the game very well, with Kyle Smith going close in the 2nd minute as his shot was blocked before Tom Leahy put the rebound just wide. Tonbridge then opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Ricky Korboa beat the Eastbourne keeper Alex Hobden with a fierce shot from the edge of the penalty area after some intricate link up play.
Matty Warren was next to test the keeper with a fierce shot that Hobden was equal to. Despite Tonbridge’s dominance, Eastbourne Borough remained a threat on the counter with Skieters proving a constant threat all game. Skieters again tested Rowley in the 25th minute with a fierce shot before Freddie Carter headed over the crossbar from the resulting corner.
Angels continued to create chances but couldn’t find a way past the resolute Eastbourne defence who were throwing themselves in front of every shot or chance that Angels created. There were cries for a penalty when Korboa went down in the box, but the referee waved play on despite the shouts from the Angels players. Sean Shields then came across to increasing the lead in the 38th minute when he fired across a superb shot from the left wing which went wide. Angels went into the break leading but had Matt Rowley to thank as his superb save kept the lead intact when Lee Angol was clear through on goal just before half time and his outstretched foot denied the striker.
The second half seemed to start very slowly with both sides being restricted to long range shots which really did not test either keeper. Then in the 59th minute, the second half kicked into life with the first real attack of the half. After a good period of play, Adam May found Quevin Castro who blasted in the equaliser from the edge of the area. Both teams continued to go for the win but despite the game getting stretched, chances were limited. Angels’ best chance of the second half came when Korboa twisted in the box and dinked a ball to the back post which substitute Naz Bakrin reached but couldn’t keep his header down. Eastbourne did have one final attempt to try and grab a winner when a long-range free kick from Adam May hit the side netting.
Tonbridge Angels: Rowley; Williams (Mampolo); Warren; Sutcliffe; Korboa; Leahy (Babajide); Thompson (cap); Shields (Higgs); Smith (Bakrin); Akehurst; Pavey (Baker)
Subs not used: Taylor, Omole
Report written by Charlie Cole
