TUNBRIDGE WELLS’ winning run in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division came to an end with a 2-1 defeat in midweek against Erith Town followed by Saturday’s narrow loss at home to Whitstable Town.
Both goalkeepers were unavailable so coach Michal Czanner started between the sticks.
Whitstable came close to opening the scoring from a free kick awarded on the right, Stuart West’s header striking the far post before being scrambled to safety by Keiron Tarbie.
Then Czanner had to be subbed off with a knee injury, and with no other keepers available central midfielder Tom Davey went in goal.
Wells’ in-form striker Jon Pilbeam nearly broke the deadlock when he beat his man and unleashed his goalbound shot that was deflected narrowly wide.
In the second half the visitors bought on two fresh strikers, Ricky Freeman and Shaun Welford, the latter having scored 49 goals for Ashford United last season.
Within 2 minutes of Welford’s introduction his header back across the Wells goal was met by Freeman, who headed into the Wells net on 79 minutes.
Wells showed their spirit and enjoyed a strong spell of possession but could not find the goal to share the points.
Tunbridge Wells are at home against local rivals Sevenoaks Town in the Kent Senior Trophy next Saturday [November 25, kick-off 3pm].
