TONBRIDGE ANGELS Ladies registered their first victory in Division One East of the South East Counties League in resounding fashion following their promotion.
Tonbridge were in complete control at Longmead thanks to a trademark strong start, with two goals in the first six minutes.
Last season’s top goalscorer Becky Janes got off the mark for the new campaign in the third minute with a cool finish after Courtney Smith sent a clever ball behind the defence.
The lead was soon doubled as Megan Akehurst turned her defender and finished with ease from a throw-in by Alex Weston.
The home side continued to show cool heads in front of goal, as first Becky Mackley and Lauryn Underhill, on the half-hour, tucked home chances when one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
The Angels continued to move the ball around well, and a swift attacking move after 57 minutes released Janes on the left. She quickly switched the ball over to Underhill on the right and the winger rifled a shot into the top corner.
Mackley doubled her tally on 72 minutes after rounding the goalkeeper, but with a similar chance she suffered an injury scare and was taken off on a stretcher.
Manager Dan Couldridge said: “We knew that if we started well, it would set the tone for the match and this proved to be the case.
“I’m delighted with the clean sheet against a team that we knew were strong going forward.”
The Ladies now play Margate in the Kent FA Women’s Cup at Hadlow College on Sunday (September 16, kick-off 2pm).
PICTURE: SEE YOU LATER: Becky Mackley rounds the goalkeeper Kiara Gallagher PHOTO: David Couldridge
