TONBRIDGE ANGELS manager Steve McKimm says his team have hit a rich vein of form after they went six points clear at the top of the Bostik League Premier.
They have yet to concede a goal on their travels this season. Alongside this ironclad defence they have a creative midfield and potent strike force.
Every member of the side appears to understand his role within the 4-4-1-1 formation that McKimm wants to deploy.
Tonbridge looked in complete control once they had got their noses in front – even though the margin was only one goal until the very end.
There was a moment of concern in the 25th minute when Matt Baxter beat the offside trap but his shot brought a fine save from Jonny Henly.
Chances fell to Adem Ramadan, Tommy Whitnell and Joe Turner in the opening half-hour before the visitors went ahead in the 34th minute.
Jack Parter fed Turner wide on the left and he cut past two defenders before executing a superb pass to Alex Read. The in-form striker placed the ball smartly past goalkeeper James Bradbrook.
Chances continued to fall to the visitors in the first half but Bradbrook kept making good saves to keep Brightlingsea in the contest at half-time.
Brightlingsea’s best moment came in the 52nd minute. With the Angels backline breached, a shot was on its way towards an unguarded net but Arthur Lee headed it dramatically off the line.
A Regent corner produced a header that forced a smart save from Henly down at his near post.
After resisting that spell of pressure, Tonbridge saw the rest of the half out in relative comfort.
In the 89th minute a through ball from Turner to substitute Jared Small saw the winger cut inside and unleash an unstoppable shot from 25 yards which even Bradbrook could not stop.
McKimm attributed the team’s success to ‘hard work, togetherness and desire’, adding: “The boys are on a run at the moment, they’re thriving on it and enjoying it. Long may it continue.”
The Angels will look to consolidate their lead at Potters Bar Town on Saturday [September 22, kick-off 3pm].
PICTURE: JUMP FOR JOY: Tonbridge celebrate Jared Small’s goal PHOTO: David Couldridge
