Wingate and Finchley 0 Tonbridge Angels 1
A goal from Bunmi Babajide just after half-time was enough to secure Angels a win against a useful Wingate and Finchley side in the final pre-season fixture before the season proper starts.
On another searingly hot day in a summer which keeps on giving, Angels starting X1 included three triallists as boss Alan Dunne continued to run the rule over players he may want to include in his plans this season.
The ‘named’ starters were Harness, Lintott, Beeden, Akehurst, Williams, Korboa, Baker and Reynolds.
Following a quiet opening, it was after the obligatory hydration break when Korboa went close following a good move.
Soon after, Korboa went close again following an Akehurst free-kick but aside from these half chances there was little to shout about in a heat-affected first 45.
Angels seem to be loving second halves right now and no sooner had Bunmi Babajide come on then he opened the scoring. Yet smiles turned to concern shortly afterwards when Brad Williams went down and had to be replaced. The extent of the injury is currently being assessed.
A decent move between Tanga, Babajide and Korboa ended with Reynolds shooting just over. The forays on Angels’ goal by the hosts were dealt with comfortably by Nathan Harness who looked sharp between the sticks.
In his post match interview, Assistant Manager Larry McAvoy told Angels Media: “It was a really good test for us. I thought Wingate were a decent technical side with good athleticism. At times they looked a threat but overall I think we were worthy winners and could have scored more. I think we have the boys where we need them now in terms of their fitness and next week will all be about looking forward to Braintree.”
