Hadlow United Vrs Tonbridge Town

7th November 2004 (WKSL JC r2)

Hadlow entertained Tonbridge Town in the last 16 of the WKSL junior cup. Tonbridge Town were promoted last season to division 4 after beating Hadlow twice and so Hadlow were underdogs going into this tie despite their 100% home record so far this season.

Hadlow started well, forcing corners and pushing the Town defence back. As early as the first few minutes an attempted chip by Magic beat the keeper but just went wide and Excell too went close with a header. Town were dangerous on the break with pacey forwards and long balls were causing Hadlow some problems. Town took the lead after 20 minutes from one of these long balls and it looked like Hadlow would rue not turning their possession into goals.

Hadlow equalised soon after however when a Town goal kick was met by Leach whose header put Webb through for a left foot strike from the edge of the box that found the net. This goal restored Hadlow's confidence and they took the lead shortly before half-time when Phil Betts played a simple ball to Webb near the half-way line who then beat the left-back before beating the keeper at the near post for his 20th of the season.

The second half was less exciting with more play in midfield due to both sides tiring on the large pitch. With 20 minutes to go from a Hadlow corner Town broke away with a fine individual run. Their player beat 2 players down Hadlow's right before a good shot beat the keeper. At 2-2 the game looked destined for extra-time.

Town now had their tails up and spent more time in Hadlow's half but with Hadlow defending well, especially Wood at left-back with improved support from magic in front of him. On one break up of play Phil Betts again fed Webb down the right who beat a couple of defenders whilst carrying the ball into the box, he then drew the keeper before passing to Leach for a tap-in from 6 yards. This knocked the stuffing out of Town but there was still 10 minutes left for some exciting action.

Harvey was holding off a opposing midfielder who then aggressively fouled him, ripping his top, before Harvey wrestled him to the ground. In the last minute Webb again beat his defender and was fouled in the box but to the disbelief of even the opposing goalkeeper no penalty was given and the whistle followed shortly.

So Hadlow are through to the quarter-finals with their 7th win in a row in all competitions and face Dormansland Rocket reserves next week.

Team:

Kerton, Bridges (Walsh), Carlton, M. Betts, Wood, P. Betts, Excell, Harvey, Bellars, Leach (1), Webb (2)