AS THEIR senior colleagues were warming up for their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, Brighton & Hove Albion’s juniors came to Longmead in a landmark game attended by 151 spectators.
The managers decided to play the full 45 minutes per half and not the usual 35 at this age group.
Both teams emerged with great credit for their technical ability and their fitness to cope with a pitch much bigger than they were used to.
Far from being daunted by the size of the pitch, they revelled in its space with both teams passing the ball out of defence and neither keeper kicking out of hand during the first half.
Brighton, as should be expected of a Premier League side with their coaching resources, were technically more proficient, but the Angels boys were not overawed.
The visitors went ahead after 12 minutes when a cross from the byline was tucked home at the near post, but the Angels held their own for the rest of the first half.
Two second-half goals gave the Sussex side a comfortable margin of victory as Tonbridge were unable to breach a well-disciplined defence.
