THERE seems to be no let-up in the Angels’ miserable run of form that has seen them record just one win and a draw in their last nine league games.
The Tonbridge side are now languishing in ninth place in the Bostik League Premier, having been one of the early pacesetters, and are at risk of disappearing without trace.
After the 3-1 defeat at home to Folkestone Invicta, the latest reverse of the festive season is piling the pressure on manager Steve McKimm.
An inability to convert chances is costing the team dear and there seems to be a lack of confidence when they have to chase a game.
McKimm had recruited two new players to bolster his squad, midfielder D’Sean Theobalds and striker Tom Murphy.
Theobalds , 23, arrives at Longmead from fellow Premier club Leatherhead, while Dartford’s Murphy has signed up for a month, having just completed a loan spell at Margate.
Theobalds looked a fine acquisition, providing a series of incisive passes, but his team mates were unable to take advantage.
McKimm elected to play two up front and it seemed to make a difference early on as Alex Read headed over in the second minute.
The visitors continued to play the better football but against the run of play Carshalton took the lead in the 20th minute.
A strong run down the right and a good cross was partly saved by Angels goalkeeper Jonny Henly but the ball rebounded to Tommy Bradford, who finished clinically.
On the half-hour Murphy and Theobalds combined well with the latter through on goal but the angle became too tight.
Sonny Miles’ overhead kick and Murphy’s fierce shot were good chances but the hosts forced a good save by Henly before the interval.
Then Murphy saw another effort go just wide in first-half stoppage time after more good link-up play with Theobalds.
There was a big chance for the visitors just two minutes into the second period when Joe Turner’s clever cross was missed by Murphy and Read when both were well placed.
Almost inevitably it was to prove a very expensive, and the game was wrapped up by Carshalton in a nine-minute spell.
On 50 minutes Christie Pattison scored with a brilliant hooked shot from the edge of the area after heavy pressure on the Tonbridge goal.
And just before the hour-mark a good move down the left and more Carshalton pressure saw Arthur Lee put through his own goal.
The result sees Tonbridge’s goal difference go negative for the first time this season.
The Angels assistant manager Barry Moore said afterwards: “We are all devastated, including the players, that once again we’ve fallen short and the bad run continues.”
The Tonbridge captain Tommy Parkinson tweeted: “We all need to stick together as a club to turn things round.
“Players are trying their best to win and will continue to. Luck isn’t on our side! Every player is 100 per cent behind the gaffa and the staff. Our luck will change and results will improve.”
The Angels next fixture is at home to Brightlingsea Regent on Saturday [January 5, kick-off 3pm].
