Borough secure cupset with narrow Tonbridge victory
By Connor Steel
GOSPORT BOROUGH guaranteed themselves a space in the FA Trophy Third Round as they clinched a tight success against Tonbridge Angels on Saturday afternoon; eventually beating their “higher league” opponents one-nil following a dogged and professional performance throughout the scrappy encounter watched by a large crowd at the AEI Stadium.
The visitors began with control of possession under overcast skies and created the first opportunity within four minutes; Jamie Fielding sending his deft header straight into the gloves of loanee Gosport goalkeeper Calum Ward. This proved to be the only notable chance in the first fifteen minutes as both teams cancelled each other out in an early tactical test.
A variety of corners threatened to liven proceedings but were defended brilliantly by the two defences, whilst Tonbridge saw a set piece deflect kindly for Ward on twenty-three minutes. Down the other end Asher Yearwood wriggled through down the right wing and tried to find Dan Wooden lurking inside the box; the striker only denied by a scuffed clearance.
Danny Hollands had a overhead kick blocked by Ronny Nelson in a period of steady home pressure, which was slowly reduced by a spell of Tonbridge possession as they reclaimed a ‘sense of control’. But they were unable to convert this into meaningful chances despite Finley Walsh-Smith brilliantly denying Trevan Piedale-Robinson twice before half time.
Borough made a tactical tweak and their new instructions immediately opened more space in the attack, but initially the side looking shaky at the back with Ryan Hanson finding enough space and dragging over the crossbar. This was soon followed by an attempt for Alfie Stanley as he flicked against the left post after a fine bursting run from Harry Kavanagh.
Piedade-Robinson saw the away team’s best opportunity on 61 minutes as he latched onto a sideways pass before the crisp bouncing drive nearly caught out the diving Ward from the far angle. Wooden was then unlucky in response as he tried to reach onto a long pass as substitutions across both sides and injury stoppages interrupted all great momentum.
It was only natural that a feeling of real nervousness crept across the ground as Tonbridge posed late threat and saw a number of dangerous balls move towards goal with a penalty lottery looming. But this ultimately was not needed as the hosts scored the winner on 87 minutes when Jake Cope bundled home a rebounded shot, much to the delight of many.
A third round match was confirmed shortly afterwards and this is due to be played on December 7 against unconfirmed opponent; thus continuing their great form in knockout FA Competitions this season. Attentions however must switch to league action with matches against Chertsey Town, Bracknell and Plymouth Parkway to play over a busy next fortnight.
PICTURED BY TOM PHILLIPS: Home players celebrate scoring their late winner against Tonbridge in the 87th minute.
