Herne Bay 0 Tonbridge Angels 7
NEW signing Liam King scored a hat-trick as Tonbridge Angels’ pre-season preparations continued with a comprehensive victory over Herne Bay at Winches Field.
The new Bostik League Premier campaign is set to kick off on August 11 with Tonbridge playing away at Merstham.
The Angels are looking in good shape after recording four wins on the bounce, including a 1-0 win at Faversham last week.
King, 23, arrives from Walton Casuals and the striker played for Faversham Town against the Angels in last season’s FA Cup.
Manager Steve McKimm was keen to thank supporters for their financial contributions to the 12th Man Fund, which made the signing possible.
Such support has proved invaluable after McKimm was forced to make cutbacks to his first-team squad towards the end of last season in order to balance his playing budget.
The Angels opened the scoring at Herne Bay after 12 minutes when another new recruit, Tom Beere, pulled the ball back from the left byline for Joe Turner to steer home from close range.
Two minutes later, Tonbridge were awarded a penalty when Tommy Whitnall was brought down in the box, and Beere stepped up to score.
The visitors were now in control, and Beere hit a post before King opened his account with a goal from a narrow angle.
King then claimed another after a goalmouth scramble on the half-hour, and he completed his haul when he converted a penalty on the stroke of half-time.
On the hour, Beere intercepted a pass in defence and beat the goalkeeper one-on-one to make it six.
Substitute Sam Jones, promoted from the development squad, set up Turner to fire in the final goal – though Turner also hit a post with five minutes remaining.
The Angels open their Bostik League Premier campaign away at Merstham on Saturday August 11.
PICTURE: QUICK FEET: Liam King (right) opened his account with a hat-trick PHOTO: David Couldridge
