TUNBRIDGE WELLS’ outstanding run of 11 games unbeaten finally came to an end in a bruising encounter at Culverden in front of a huge crowd of more than 500.
It was the second time in consecutive games that the Wells conceded two late goals in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division.
Jamie Humphris opened the scoring for them from the penalty spot after 32 minutes, blasting his kick past Chatham goalkeeper Dan Ellis.
The visitors equalised on the stroke of half-time with a rebound from a shot by Matt Bodkin which gave Wells ‘keeper Callum Hampson no chance.
Two minutes after the break Jason Thompson restored the Wells lead, and Jake Beecroft made it three after 73 minutes.
Chatham pulled a goal back through Ben Wilson four minutes later, after which Wells’ Ola Williams was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Then former Culverden favourite Jon Pilbeam broke the hearts of his former fans when he twice – the second goal coming in injury time – to win the match for Chatham.
Tunbridge Wells now play St Peters of Guernsey in the Kent Senior Trophy quarter-final at the Culverden on Saturday [January 19, kick-off 2pm].
