TONBRIDGE ANGELS Ladies are through to the semi-finals of the KCFA Women’s Plate but were made to work hard for it by a spirited Diamond United side.
There was a delay of an hour and a half after 18 minutes of the match when Diamond’s midfielder Olivia Macdonald had to be taken to hospital with a dislocated knee.
At first the home side were outclassed by their lower-division opponents but the break in play allowed them to regroup.
After forcing a series of corners they opened the scoring on 38 minutes, an interception by Leanne Foster finding Becky Mackley free to score.
The young side from Ashford again looked stronger after the break, but crucially the hosts doubled their lead on the counter-attack.
Mackley broke free down the left on 59 minutes and her cross into the box was handled by a defender and the referee pointed to the spot, Sam Burton converting the penalty.
Diamond reduced arrears to 2-1 six minutes later. The pacy Jordan Langstone got behind the defence down the left and curled a neat finish into the net to take her season’s tally to 20.
This served as a wake-up call for the Angels, who produced a fine 20-minute spell to reclaim a two-goal cushion and see out the game.
The crucial third goal arrived via Mackley, who finished with ease after being played in by Angels newcomer Rona Wignall.
Tonbridge will contest their semi-final on February 24 against either Bromley, Glebe or Thamesview with the draw to be made this week.
