Still plenty for Angels Boss Steve McKimm to ponder after this friendly against Romford from Bet Victor Div 1 North as he saw his team somewhat stutter their way towards an eventual win. 

He felt particularly through the 1st half certain payers were playing ‘within themselves’ and he bemoaned the general lack of effort. By contrast Romford played to their strengths with much better understanding and deservedly took the lead in the 32nd minute when a cross from the left was converted by Jay Nash. Nor was it their only chance and with a little more composure they could quite easily have embarrassed the hosts further. 

From an Angels perspective the Romford defence was periodically opened up but there was no one who was able to successfully get on the end of crosses most notably from the left flank and one felt there needed to be a little more belief. 

Various changes were made by McKimm at half time with two up front, Tom Derry joining Chinedu McKenzie and Joe Turner replacing Jared Small. We also two triallists join the game in James O’Halloran, a full back and ‘Sam’ a central defensive midfielder. It was a welcome return to Liam Smith who replaced Alex Bentley at right back. 

Despite the change in formation and personnel there was no genuine revival in the Angels fortunes. The better chances were continuing to fall to Romford most notably in the 75th minute when the base of Jonny Henly’s right hand post was struck. 

Suddenly however Tonbridge seemed to realise that the game was potentially slipping away from them. Turner on the left was starting to get more room and finally the two strikers were starting to have an understanding. On 78 minutes Turner put McKenzie through who then rounded Jack Riddle in the Romford goal to draw the Angels level. Ten minutes later it was Derry who put McKenzie through who managed to place his effort just wide of Riddle and seal the win for the Angels. 

Arguably it was hard luck on Romford who had done more than enough to earn a draw as they seek that confidence to get themselves away from the foot of Bet Victor 1 North table. 

So what does it mean for Steve McKimm’s side? He claimed in the post match interview that he had learnt quite a bit about his players, but having released three of the squad last Sunday its more than clear he needs reinforcements with a challenging month of fixtures coming up. He continues to work hard on that quest and supporters wait with interest to see who might arrive at The Halcyon Wealth Longmead Stadium in time for next Saturday’s fixture against form side Braintree Town.

Angels Starting Line Up: Jonny Henly, Alex Bentley, Jack Parter, Tommie Hession-Harris, Sonny Miles (c), Rian Bray, Jared Small, D’Sean Theobalds, Chinedu McKenzie, Jack Rudoni, Khale Da Costa.   Substitutes (All played): Liam Smith, Joe Turner, Tom Derry, James O’Halloran, ‘Sam’. Non playing substitute: Charlie Martin.