Our Over-60’s Blues team faced two tough games this weekend but with a win and a draw they have secured runners up spot in the Kent League West Division and now look forward to a Finals Day on 11th May against the East Division top two.

Angels Blues 2 Bexley Blues 1

After narrowly losing to the national champions Bexley Reds on Monday night it was the turn of Bexley Blues for the second game of this phase on Saturday morning. Tonbridge started slowly and in the first 10 minutes did not really turn up and it was during this period of play that the Bexley forwards turned our defence inside out and scored a cracking goal. The Blue’s response was good, the speed of passing increased and retention of the ball was good. The woodwork was hit three times before finally an encroachment in the penalty area by a Bexley defender resulted in Nigel Bragg smashing home a penalty.

The second half was a scrappy affair although Tonbridge did dominate the ball and controlled most of the play. Several chances came and went before Kelvin Champion hammered in a rebound. Tonbridge had a couple more scares and some good saves by Mike Hurn resulted in a solid 2-1 win.

Report: Graham Smith

Ebbsfleet Greens 2 Angels Blues 2

The Angels went to Ebbsfleet on Tuesday night knowing a draw would be enough to guarantee second spot in the League. A strong team was chosen but Ebbsfleet had us on the backfoot from the whistle. Gradually the Angels gained a foothold but a melee on the edge of the area gave Ebbsfleet an encroachment penalty which also resulted in Martin Brindley taking a two minute ‘sin bin’. Ebbsfleet scored but the Angels regrouped and with one man down they held onto the ball frustrating our opponents.

Ebbsfleet were a very fast team and after a lot of infringements they were finally called for a fourth running offence allowing Nigel Bragg to smash home his penalty to draw the scores level.

In the second half both teams battled for the next goal which would be crucial to both sides but after a good spell of passing and some top class wizardry Steve Elliott turned on a sixpence and hammered a rocket shot into the far corner of the net – our goal of the season so far.

But Ebbsfleet continued to press and finally broke down the defence to equalise. This galvanised the Angels and with Gary Roden’s battle cry ‘Keep The Ball’ ringing in their ears the rest of the team managed to contain the ball in the Ebbsfleet half for nigh on fiveminutes with hardly any opposition intervention. A pure masterclass in retaining possession until the final whistle secured our attendance on Finals day.

A special mention to Gary Roden who kept the team organised from the back throughout. His encouragement of his teammates made the difference. 

Report: Glyn Hollands