Tonbridge Angels 1 Burgess Hill 0
TONBRIDGE ANGELS recorded their third consecutive clean sheet at the start of the new Bostik League Premier season as they emerged as narrow victors against Burgess Hill.
The home side started impressively, with Alex Read’s header rattling the woodwork in the fifth minute and wingers Joe Turner and Adem Ramadan causing problems.
The only goal of the game came in the 26th minute; right-back James Folkes grabbed possession and played a neat through ball with the outside of his right foot to Turner, who slotted it past Joshua James.
Play was stopped for nine minutes while Angels captain Tom Parkinson was treated for a head injury, but he played on.
A flurry of chances followed, but none beat the Burgess Hill keeper.
The visitors started the second half more brightly, answering a shot by Read with an effort from Ben Pope coming agonisingly close.
The Angels looked rattled but they soon settled again and proved a threat from corners, with Sonny Miles hitting the crossbar from one set-piece.
Burgess Hill came close from a corner themselves seven minutes from time, Jonny Henly keeping out a strike after Arthur Lee had cleared the danger initially.
Angels are now up to fourth place in the early league table, and manager Steve McKimm said afterwards: ‘I was delighted with this -afternoon’s performance.
‘After three games no goals conceded and being unbeaten in the league is testament of the progress we are making.’
Tonbridge Angels now travel to Margate on Saturday [August 25, kick-off 3pm].
PICTURE: WIDE AWAKE: Joe Turner (left) caused problems on the wing PHOTO: David Couldridge
Pitch perfect
Tonbridge Angels’ Peter Elves has been named as Bostik Isthmian League Groundsman of the Year by the Football Association. The Longmead maestro was also named as Best Groundsman in Steps 3/4 of the football pyramid, which comprises the Northern and Southern Leagues as well as the Isthmian.
Peter said: ‘I was very proud to represent our club at the fantastic St George’s Park facility and to meet my fellow groundsmen. It was a fantastic day.’
