Tonbridge Angels 1 Blues 2

The sixth placed Blues made the long 230 mile round trip to Tonbridge Angels and returned with all the points following a fine display. Level at the break the Blues turned in a great second half display to deservedly claim all three points. Manager Steve Ball opted for an adventurous line up at the Longmead Stadium playing with two wing backs, three centre halves and an attacking top five for the first time this season. The players took time to settle to the new arrangements and the home side bossed the early pressure. It was easy to see how the hosts were on the back of a four game unbeaten run as they moved the ball around well. With just four minutes played Jerome Sobers saw his header from Lee Carey’s free kick strike the outside of the post as Tonbridge pressed. Despite the home dominance it was the visitors who opened the scoring midway through the first half and against the run of play but a well crafted goal. It was certainly a family affair as Michael Brothers darting run down the right onto a fine pass from Craig Parker saw an inviting cross swept home by brother Patrick for his first goal of the season. The Blues joy was short lived, three minutes infact as Tonbridge levelled with a fine goal. The lively Alex Teniola powering home a header from Tommy Whitnell’s left wing cross, giving Danny Gay no chance. Both sides were now playing some great football but goal mouth action was a little sparse with neither keeper troubled for the remainder of the half.

After the interval the visitors returned eager to press and on 58 minutes wasted a great chance to regain the lead. Home keeper Kyle Merson spilled Patrick Brothers left wing cross, Nnamdi Nwachuku reacted quickest but could only divert the loose ball over the top. The Colchester United loanee then turned provider setting up Patrick Brothers but he failed to trouble Merson. Tonbridge leading scorer Billy Medlock had a couple of half chances well blocked by the returning Tom Bullard before the Blues did get themselves ahead again. Gareth Heath swung in a corner that Kyle Merson failed to deal with properly and Craig Parker expertly buried the loose ball from close range. Leiston were now in fine form and Merson was called into action to deny Nnamdi Nwachuku as he latched onto Patrick Brothers teasing cross and then Merson denied Nwachuku after the young striker had shown great strength to hold off a home defender. The impressive Michael Brothers saw a long range effort just clear the home bar as Leiston ended the game strongly to record an excellent win on the road.

FT – Tonbridge Angels 1 Leiston 2

Blues line up – Gay, Saker, Boardley, Tann, Jefford, Bullard, M Brothers, Heath, Nwachuku (Winter 83 mins), Parker, P Brothers (Simmons 70 mins). Subs not used – Mitchell and Rossis.

Goals: Teniola 25 mins (Tonbridge), P Brothers 22 mins, Parker 69 mins (Leiston)

Yellow cards: Teniola & Parkinson (Tonbridge), Tann (Leiston)

Man of the Match – Michael Brothers