Merstham 0 Tonbridge Angels 3
TONBRIDGE ANGELS made it five wins out of five on the opening day of the season as they cruised to victory over Merstham at the start of their Bostik League Premier campaign.
Three new players, central defender Arthur Lee, midfielder Tom Beere and striker Alex Reid, all caught the eye as the visitors played with vigour and intensity.
After the Moatsiders had made all their substitutions, one of their players suffered concussion and had to leave the field, resulting in a 10-minute delay and the home side having to finish the game with 10 men.
Joe Turner and Jack Parter causing problems on the left flank and on 15 minutes the former put in a cross which Merstham’s keeper Chris Haig should have dealt with, allowing Jared Small’s looping header to find the back of the net.
Parter then worked the ball along the byline and his low cross ran along the goalline but no Tonbridge player was able to tap it into the net.
On the half-hour a fine free kick by Beere caused more problems, and after 38 minutes the Angels went 2-0 in front, goalscorer Small turning provider with a well-placed cross that Jelan Jones diverted into his own goal.
Four minutes into the second half, impressive build-up play between Beere and James Folkes allowed Read to score his first competitive goal for the club.
Assistant coach Barry Moore said afterwards: ‘Readie is the kind of player who may only get one clear-cut chance during a game but he’s more than capable of taking that chance.’
The remainder of the match saw constant Tonbridge pressure. A Sonny Miles header hit the crossbar, another header from Lee was stopped by Haig, and a Joe Turner shot brought out a fine save from the Merstham keeper.
With Merstham down to 10 men there were two chances for James Folkes as the visitors enjoyed a long period of possession.
The Angels now face Burgess Hill Town at home on Saturday [August 18, kick-off 3pm].
PICTURE: TEAM EFFORT: Tonbridge celebrate their second goal PHOTO: David Couldridge
