TONBRIDGE ANGELS deservedly held on to top spot in the Bostik League Premier division but they had to remain patient to break down a dogged Whitehawk.
Tonbridge enjoyed long periods of possession in the first half but created relatively few genuine chances in a game where Whitehawk had clearly come with a well organised defence.
Much of the attacking from the home side came down the right flank through Jared Small and James Folkes.
Across from Small in the 25th minute was met with a header by Joe Turner header that had to be tipped over the bar by Melvin Minter.
That probably was the Angels’ best chance of the first period, although just before half-time Alex Read had a one-on-one with Minter, the visiting keeper saving well.
There was little attacking impetus from the away side, although there were two decent efforts from Nathaniel Pinney.
The second period continued in much the same vein with Tonbridge continuing to ask questions down the right-hand side.
In the 70th minute there was a huge scramble in the Whitehawk goalmouth following a Turner corner but somehow the visitors managed to scramble the ball away.
They were not to hold out for too much longer, however. A teasing cross from Folkes on the right saw Matt Drage put the ball into his own net in the 79th minute.
Whitehawk attempted to rally but the Angels made the game safe in the 90th minute to preserve the Angels’ two-point lead at the top.
Substitute Adem Ramadan was too quick for the Brighton team’s defence and he set up Turner, who finished easily from close range.
Angels’ assistant manager Barry Moore said afterwards: “We had to be patient. We played our passing game and eventually if you keep pulling the defence this way and that the gaps will start to appear.”
Tonbridge Angels play a league game at Kingstonian tonight [November 7, kick-off 7.45pm]
Then they travel to Dorking Wanderers for the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy on Saturday [kick-off 3pm].
