The Angels welcomed Welling United in their second Kent derby of the season. Hoping to properly kick start the campaign, Jay Saunders made just one change from the trip to Yeovil.

Soares-Junior was back in the side replacing Joe Turner the Angels lining up: Henly in goal, Hinds, Fielding, Lyons-Foster, Meade, Higgs, Wagstaff, Gard, Soares-Junior, Payne and Akanbi.

Welling dominated the majority of the first half, a strong showing in the early moments was rewarded in the 18th minute. Jack Burchell beat everyone else in the box to a header from a corner and put Welling ahead at the back post.

The Wings held the headlines throughout the first half. Corners and free-kicks the main source of opportunities for the Reds. 

Soares-Junior was involved on the 25 minute mark, firstly playing an inviting cross in front of the mouth of goal which no one got to, he also put a header over from a Lewis Gard corner. 

Jordan Higgs entered the book with half an hour played, his foul leading to a free kick on the edge of the box which Antony Papadopoulos took. The free kick avoided the wall and forced a parry from Henly which came back to a Welling forward who blundered a golden chance to double their lead. 

Payne against his former side came close later in the half but the opposition goalie, on loan from Brentford, made a strong save to deny the striker. 

At half time, Welling led deservedly; Tonbridge 0, Welling 1.

The Angels came out the blocks better of the two sides in the second half. Forcing the away keeper to punch away a dangerous free kick. Winterbottom, the Welling stopper, was also called into action five or so minutes later to save another effort from Stefan Payne. 

But, Angels didn’t maintain the pressure and despite making positive substitutes introducing Nathan Wood, Crichlow and Turner, the score remained the same. Tonbridge did enjoy more of the ball in the second half than the first but the final quality wasn’t evident and Welling travelled home with all three points having defended the Angels’ few strong chances solidly. 

Tonbridge Angels 0, Welling United 1.

Skipper Scott Wagstaff said after the game “It’s a disappointing one to take today. We’re getting into good positions but we aren’t having that last bit of quality. That doesn’t just come down to the forwards, it’s down to everybody.”