Oxford City 0 Tonbridge Angels 3
Only their second win on the road this season, it was in stark contrast to their capitulation at Chelmsford City the previous Monday, when they lost 3-1.
The result moves them up to 19th place in National League South, on goal difference, though they have a couple of games in hand on most of their relegation rivals after a series of postponements at Longmead.
It was the pace and trickery of Ben Greenhalgh and Joe Turner down the flanks that brought much profit for the visitors, with Alex Bentley and James Folkes available for the overlap.
And it was this route that brought the opener for Tonbridge in the 15th minute, Wood getting his head to the ball with a deft touch past the Hoops goalkeeper Craig King.
The remainder of the half saw the visitors largely in control despite playing against the wind with chances falling to Wood and fellow striker Jason Williams.
On 23 minutes City had a strong appeal for a penalty waved away by the referee and three minutes later Nico Jones’ effort for the home side was dealt with by keeper Jonny Henly.
With the wind in their favour in the second half Tonbridge were in a good position to press forward and extend their lead.
But around the hour-mark the home side came back strongly and the Angels found it difficult to get out of their own half, though Oxford had few genuine chances.
On 77 minutes Henly had to pull off a fine save, and another home penalty appeal was turned down – this time a home player was booked for diving.
Tonbridge had to wait until the 84th minute for their second goal, a cross from substitute Khale Da Costa being converted via a deflection by Wood.
Then the impressive Wood chased down a through ball, attempted to go round the keeper and was brought down, the referee immediately pointing to the spot.
Despite Wood being on a hat-trick, regular penalty taker Turner stepped up on 89 minutes and thrashed the ball into the net to complete a good day’s work for the Angels.
Manager Steve McKimm said: “The players followed our instructions to the letter. Of course it’s been a great start for Tommy Wood, he’s done really well, but this was a team performance that clicked.”
When asked about Turner taking the spot-kick he said: “If he’s on the pitch he takes penalties, there’s no doubt or confusion. Tommy understood the situation.”
