Angels Shot Down - Tonbridge Angels vs. Bromley

View from the stand at The Longmead Stadium

With the heavy rain of the last week or so it looked like it could be a little tricky to find a game but the pitch at The Longmead Stadium didn't even need an inspection for the Kent derby between Tonbridge Angels and Bromley. I'd visited Tonbridge to see friends previously, but I'd never been to the ground. The Angels were in their second season at this level after winning the play offs in the 2010 - 11 season and were in mid table. In their last home game they recorded an impressive win against another Kent side, Dover Athletic. Bromley were just outside the relegation zone and needed a win.

Kick off at The Longmead Stadium

Tonbridge have a chance very early on when a header goes just wide. It is Bromley however who take the lead. Following a quick break the ball is prodded home from close range to put the visitors one up. They have a chance to double their lead when they are given a penalty for handball but the keeper makes a good save to his left. Tonbridge struggle to find their rhythm and their best chance comes from a free kick which the Bromley keeper saves. Bromley add a second just before half to complete a miserable half for Tonbridge. 

The Tonbridge keeper keeps out the Bromley penalty

Tonbridge attack at the start of the second half but they soon find themselves further behind. The impressive number ten for Bromley cuts inside and fires an unstoppable shot in to the top corner. Tonbridge continue to try and get back in to the game and the Bromley keeper just keeps out an effort from the edge of the box. They forge another good chance shortly afterwards but the final effort is weak and straight at the keeper. The number ten for Bromley (on loan from Charlton Athletic) is a class above and should complete his hat trick when he rounds the keeper but his effort is cleared off the line. 

Dugout side of the ground with the executive stand

Tonbridge is served by trains from Charing Cross and the journey takes around fifty minutes. Trains depart on a regular basis. The ground is about a thirty minute walk with several hills in both directions. About ten minutes walk from the ground is The George And Dragon which has a village pub feel. It had several ales and had Sky Sports, defiantly a place worth visiting before the game. The clubhouse is quite large and I believe they are in the process of gathering funding for a new one. An good thing they do in the clubhouse is that you order your half time drinks before kick off. A brilliant idea.

Another view of the main stand