The Angels climbed into third place in Bostik Premier to keep their play-off hopes on track following a hard fought 2-0 win over Corinthian Casuals at a windswept Longmead. It may be something a cliché but the fact is there are few easy games in this league and Corinthian Casuals like AFC Hornchurch the previous Saturday forced Tonbridge to battle for those points with the result not really confirmed until the 85th minute coincidentally the same time that last Saturday’s winner was secured.

The Angels largely dominated the first half but only had the one goal to show for it at the break. It came after just 10 minutes when following good work by Jared Small on the right wing, the resultant cross was converted by Chinedu McKenzie following a mistake in the Casuals defence.

The 22nd minute saw the home side’s Tom Beere deliver an excellent free kick into the away side’s goal area but McKenzie’s prodded effort was just wide. Angels Joe Turner forced a good save out of Daniel Bracken in the 22nd minute and there were further chances for the home side’s Tom Derry and Small. In the 36th minute Tonbridge had the ball in the net through McKenzie but the referee had already blown for an Angels free kick on the edge of the area.

Just before half time Juevan Spencer for the visitors saw his effort saved by Angels Jonny Henly.

With the strong wind in their favour Corinthian Casuals came much more into the game in the second half with a majority of the game played in the home side’s half. Despite that the visitors were unable to unlock the Angels defence including the ever reliable Henly who made a terrific save late on.

For the home side Beere and substitute Adem Ramadan had chances as the game reached its final quarter and then in the 85th minute Tonbridge were awarded a free kick which was handled by Majed Sean in the area. Joe Turner dispatched the resultant penalty with ruthless efficiency and that sealed the result for the Angels.

Afterwards, Assistant Manager Barry Moore said: “They were terrible conditions out there so we are very pleased with the result. People say the ball should be played on the floor but to be honest that was very difficult today due to the high wind. Inevitably, in the second half we were forced to play deeper than perhaps we would have liked but again the players dealt with that very well and great credit to everyone that we have kept another clean sheet.”