TONBRIDGE ANGELS recovered from an early injury setback to score four times in the second half and maintain their hopes of a divisional playoff place in the Bostik League Premier.
In the 16th minute Tom Beere was taken off on a stretcher with an ankle injury. With Tom Parkinson likely to be sidelined for the rest of the season and Craig Stone still on loan at Grays Athletic, manager Steve McKimm is suddenly short of central midfield players in his small squad.
Wide midfielder Joe Turner took over Beere’s role, having to play a more defensive position than he is used to, but he looked comfortable in the unfamiliar role.
Adem Ramadan came off the bench to go to the left wing position and caused problems for the hosts all afternoon.
Tonbridge had the better of the first half with Chinedu McKenzie spurning three good chances to break the deadlock.
Former Angel Henry Muggeridge almost caused a shock when he flighted a free kick which eluded the visitors’ defenders and glanced past the back post for a goal kick in first half stoppage time.
Any frustration for the visitors was dispelled as soon as the second period got underway.
Central defender Sonny Miles lost his marker and placed a firm header from Turner’s corner past Melvin Minter in the Hawks goal.
On 66 minutes Jack Parter was fouled and he took the free kick which was expertly headed by Arthur Lee into the path of McKenzie, who was in no mood to miss out and increased the lead.
Turner’s corner was neatly converted by Tom Derry for the Angels third goal in the 78th minute to make sure of victory.
The same player, whose signing was financed by supporters, was on hand to make it four when he latched on to Ramadan’s cross in stoppage time.
The Brighton side were vulnerable at set pieces and the relegation-threatened club will need to improve in that regard if they are to stay up.
Angels keeper Jonny Henly had to pull off one excellent save from Nathaniel Pinney in stoppage time to ensure a clean sheet for the fifth consecutive league game.
Tonbridge are now a point behind second-placed Haringey Borough with six games to go. It’s very tight at the top with five points separating second from sixth and all the teams winning.
The Angels are now at home to Harlow Town on Saturday [March 30, kick-off 3pm].
