TUNBRIDGE WELLS went into this fixture knowing that a win for them and anything but victory for Guildford would mean promotion from South Premier League Division Two at the first time of asking.
This knowledge seemed to weigh on the visitors’ minds and they were unable to string passes together. For the second time in three weeks they fell behind to two sloppy goals early in the first half.
However, as they have shown this season, this Tunbridge Wells side does not know when to give up and they soon pulled one goal back with a quick-reaction strike which Jack French deftly touched in at the back post.
After that two further goals from James Beck, including a rocket of a corner, gave Wells a 3-2 lead at half-time.
In the second half the visitors came out with better patience and shape and showed the dominance that has seen them mount such an impressive campaign. Dan Masters scored a fine individual goal before Harry Roberts tucked home from close range, and Masters finished off the scoring with a well-taken rebound late on.
However, Guildford prevailed 3-2 against Trojans and remain technically in the hunt to go up, though Wells now only need a single point from the last four games to secure back-to-back promotions
They head South Premier League Division Two by six points from Banbury (and 12 from Guildford) and will be looking to round off the campaign as champions – though they face both those sides in their final two games.
They will be looking to confirm their elevated status when they entertain mid-table Wycombe at Kent College on Saturday (March 3, 1.30pm).
