Tunbridge Wells FC - Supporters

8th April 2024

Croydon u23 1 Tunbridge Wells u23 1

Against a team fielding eight first teamers, Wells collected a valuable point on the road despite the best efforts of the match officials who looked out of their depth. Max Lambert was typically lively in the early stages, driving an effort wide of the post and then hitting a firm shot at the keeper after a poor ball out of defence had allowed Jack Gallagher to play him in. On 21 mins, a deep free kick from the right was headed over by Ron Little before another right wing cross picked out James Dunn at the far post but the keeper blocked with his legs. The home team had been quiet but created a bit of pressure around the half hour mark, including a cross from the left headed out to the edge of the box where it was curled just wide of the post. Gallagher picked up a yellow after 40 mins after sliding into a tackle and clipping his man, but worse challenges before that had gone unpunished by the weak referee. 

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HT 0-0

 

Wells had the better of the early stages of the second half, Lambert not quite able to get a solid enough connection on a Fin Wolvey corner from the right. Then, just before the hour mark, Wells took the lead as Dunn teed up Matty Dunmall for a great low strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. The home team threatened an equaliser in the 74th minute but the effort went just wide before Saul Musengeyi and Dunmall had efforts blocked by the keeper. Then came the first howler from the officials as a high ball into the box from the left was bundled in but a clear offside not given. Going into the last few minutes Dunmall’s shot came back off the keeper but Musengeyi fired wide then came a massive moment when Gallagher was tripped on the right side near the edge of the box. Having initially given a penalty the ref had a long chat with his assistant and decided to give a free kick outside the box. One last piece of action as Ollie Thomson beat his man on the left and fired in a shot at the near post but the keeper managed to keep hold of it and the ref blew for full time. 

 

Team: Tommy Sceal, Ron Little, Mason Nicholls, Lenny Minihane, Connor Knight, Fin Wolvey, Matt Dunmall, James Dunn, Jack Gallagher, Max Lambert, Rockie Burke. Subs: Joe Hart, Bayley Colbran, Saul Musengeyi, Ollie Thomson, Alex Kerslake  

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1st April 2024

Welling Town 2 Tunbridge Wells 6 

A convincing win for the Wells over the league’s basement side as a Trevor Macreadie hattrick took the hitman to 30 goals for the season. After dangerous early balls into the box from Astle and Lewis, the Wells broke the deadlock on 13 mins when Corke’s cross from the left was met with a deft header from Macreadie. Corke drove at the defence in the 19th minute and fired wide of the far post and five minutes later a goal kick from the home keeper was cushioned by Austin into the path of Astle who ran down the right channel but shot wide of the near post. A half chance for an equaliser for Welling after 26 mins with pinball in the box as Wells struggled to clear, and an eventual shot went high and wide. Lewins released Lewis after a clever dribble and the keeper came out to clatter him. Despite appeals for a penalty, only a corner was given. Hearts in mouths for Wells after 38 mins when a high ball from the left to the far post was drilled across the face of goal but avoided outstretched boots. A minute later and the away side had a two goal cushion as Lewins sprayed the ball out to Astle on the right who crossed low into box where the ball deflected off Macreadie and into the path of Shield who calmly slotted home. A limping Corke was replaced by Vale in time added on at the end of the half. 

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HT 0-2

 

With just two minutes gone in the second half, Astle teed up Vale for a drilled effort wide of the near post. After 56 mins Macreadie was chopped down on the edge of the box and Astle curled the free kick just wide. A minute later Wells extended the lead to three when Astle raced onto a quickly taken free kick by Lewins and crossed to the near post where the ball ricocheted between Macreadie and the keeper before finding its way over the line. After an hour it was 4-0 as White headed an Astle free kick over the keeper and Macreadie volleyed in from close range. With Ward having replaced Shield, Lewins was found in the box by Hudson and cleverly beat two defenders before firing in a shot which was well tipped over by the keeper. An Austin shot was also kept out before hatrick hero Macreadie made way for Lambert on 74 mins. Lambert nearly made an instant impact, stretching his leg at a drilled cross from Vale but not quite reaching it. Shortly afterwards it was 5-0 after a terrible mistake from the home keeper who for some reason decided to try and dribble round Astle, who picked his pocket and rolled the ball into the empty net. Vale then picked out Lewis who was denied at the near post before Welling unexpectedly launched a mini revival as they scored with a near post effort after 81 minutes and then, a couple of minutes later, reduced the deficit further as a cross from the right found a player unmarked in the box to take his time and steer a shot into the bottom corner. With Alaka having come on for Lewis, any thoughts of a crazy comeback were put to bed when McLeod was fouled on the left and, from the free kick whipped in by Astle, Lambert deflected the ball in off his chest to conclude the goal fest. 

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Team: Bentley, Astle, Lewis, McLeod, Hudson, White, Shield, Austin, Macreadie, Lewins, Corke. Subs: Alaka, Lambert, Ward, Vale, Walder. 

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9th March 2023

Tunbridge Wells Reserves 4 Southborough 3 

With the under 23s yet to play their semi final, it was the Reserves who became the first Wells team into a final this season, edging past a strong Southborough side thanks to four Jay Donoghue goals to take their place against TJFC Seniors in the Sevenoaks Charity Cup final on 29 March. Borough put up a good fight and hit the bar as early as the first minute, direct from an inswinging corner. There was another scare for the Wells on 12 mins as a ball was fizzed across the six yard box from the left and it took until the quarter hour mark for Wells to register a first effort through Matt Hathway. Ollie Thomson cut in from the left to test the keeper at his near post after 22 mins but it was no real surprise when Southborough took the lead after 27 mins when their player made a run down the left channel and calmly finished into the far corner. The lead only lasted two minutes however as, from a free kick just outside the box, Donoghue curled a beauty into the top left corner. After 35 minutes Donoghue had his second, nipping in to take advantage of a defensive mix up and rolling the ball past the keeper. In an end to end first half, Borough claimed an equaliser five minutes before half time when a corner was swung over from the right and headed in at the far post. 

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HT 2-2

 

Plenty of pressure from the Wells early in the second half with a free kick from Donoghue tipped round by the keeper and Thomson beating his man on the right and dragging a shot just wide. The pressure told after 51 mins with Max Lambert fouled on the edge of the box and Donoghue stepping up to fire low into the bottom left corner for his hattrick. Borough wouldn’t lie down though and equalised again just after the hour mark when George Stevenson made a great save but from the resulting corner the ball was sidefooted over the line from close range. For a while it looked like Southborough were more likely to get their noses in front, Lenny Minihane making a great block to prevent what looked a certain goal and then a Stevenson save followed by an Ali Sajjad block from the follow up as the Wells defended for their lives. A Borough shot from the left side of the box hit the far post after 80 mins but having wasted their chances they were made to pay when Leo Austin-Rock flicked a through ball into the path of that man Donoghue and he lobbed neatly over the keeper for what turned out to be the winner. Lambert nearly made the game safe with a shot just over before, right at the end of the game, Borough came within a whisker of getting back on terms as a throw from the left was headed against the bar before a massive goalmouth scramble. Wells survived and booked their place in the final. It was a great scrap, and credit to both sides. 

 

Team: George Stevenson, Ali Sajjad, Len Minihane, Micky Mantle, Jack Mulford, Matt Hathway, Rush Broderick, Ollie Thomson, Max Lambert, Rockie Burke, Jay Donoghue. Subs: Fin Wolvey, Isheanopa Hunidzarira, Leo Austin-Rock, Alfie Kilbey, Mo Yordanov 

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6th March 2024

Hollands & Blair Reserves 1 Tunbridge Wells U23 4 

This was a chance to compare leagues as it was Kent County League Division One versus SCEFL Development League West in this Kent Intermediate Cup quarter final. And it was the SCEFL team that cruised through to the semis without ever looking in much danger. Max Lambert had already placed an effort just wide of the far post before Ron Little opened the scoring after 13 mins, side footing home a low Finn Hartley cross from the right. Hartley showed good feet on the edge of the box after 20 mins, slamming a shot at the keeper,  before the home team registered their first effort five minutes later with a shot that deflected just wide. Just after half an hour a Ned Lewis free kick was headed to Micky Mantle who fired just over and it was Mantle again after 37 mins, flicking a low corner from Reece Anderson just past the far post. H&B went close with a long range effort and Cam Wootton, on for the injured Hartley, fired just too high and wide after 41 mins. A minute later it was 2-0, Lambert skipping past a challenge on the right and pulling the ball back to James Dunn on the edge of the box who fired low past the keeper. There was almost a strange third before half time as a crossfield ball picked out Little who chested the ball over the keeper and it hit the far post. 

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HT 0-2

 

The pattern of Wells dominance continued after the break with Mason Nicholls going down the right on 47 mins before squaring to Lambert for a tap in but the flag went up for offside. The let off was only brief for the home side as Wootton almost immediately diverted a Lambert shot over the line for 3-0. Lambert had an effort cleared off the line after 69 mins and then, after great work down the right from Nicholls, Wootton flashed one over the bar after 73 mins. H&B left it until the 78th minute for their closest effort as a whipped free kick on the left was met with a header against the bar. After 85 mins came the goal of the night as Lewis saw the keeper off his line and lobbed the ball over him from long distance. Two minutes later and a late consolation for the home team as George Stevenson in goal gave the ball away and was duly punished. But it made little difference. 

 

Team: George Stevenson, Len Minihane, Ron Little, Micky Mantle, Mason Nicholls, Connor Knight, James Dunn, Ned Lewis, Max Lambert, Reece Anderson, Finn Hartley. Subs:  Rockie Burke, Joe Hart, Cam Wootton, Fin Wolvey, Matty Dunmall 

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1st March 2024

Tunbridge Wells U23 1 Erith & Belvedere U23 1

(Tunbridge Wells win 5-4 on pens) 

In a tie postponed several times, and finally relocated to the 3G of K Sports, Wells under 23s kept alive their dream of a league and cup double, squeezing through to the quarter finals of the Kent Intermediate Cup by the narrowest of margins at the expense of Erith & Belvedere, who put up a good fight. All 11 goals were penalties, and there were even a few misses from the spot as well. Matty Dunmall created the first chance with a good ball in behind the defence which Finn Hartley ran onto but shot straight at the keeper. But E&B then had a good spell, with Wells keeper Tommy Sceal out well to deal with a breakaway and then a couple of shots dragged wide from decent positions. Wells took the lead after 23 mins, Ned Lewis driving into the box on the left hand side and drawing a clumsy challenge. Lewis picked himself up and slotted low past the keeper. A flowing move nearly put the Wells two up as Connor Knight picked out Hartley on the right and his whipped cross found Max Lambert in the middle but he couldn’t get enough on the header. More sharp work from Sceal after half an hour as an E&B player nearly nicked the ball past him but he stuck out a leg to deflect it wide. Another shot from the opposition deflected just wide before a Reece Anderson corner up the other end found Len Minihane in the middle who sidefooted over.

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HT 1-0 

 

The second half was mostly a quieter affair which suited Wells fine as long as they held onto the lead. After 58 mins a long ball over the top sent Lambert through but the keeper tipped his effort wide. Ron Little then flicked a header just wide from the resulting corner. On 64 mins Anderson saw an effort from the edge of the box parried away by the keeper. Then, after 71 mins, a chance to put the tie to bed as James Dunn was tripped in the box and the ref pointed to the spot. Lewis stepped up again but this time the quality of the first pen was lacking and the keeper saved easily. Ollie Thomson teed up Dunmall for a shot which flew just over after 79 mins but then, out of the blue, E&B were handed a lifeline a minute later as a player was tripped in the box and the third spot kick of the game calmly tucked away for 1-1. Wells had a final chance in the closing stages as a long ball put Lambert through and he was bundled to the ground just outside the box with the offender receiving a red card. The free kick was whipped just over the bar by Thomson and then, with no extra time, it was straight to penalties. The first two were converted before a Wells miss handed the advantage to E&B. The next four kicks were all dispatched before an E&B player sent one over the bar to level things up. The next three were then scored to put Wells 5-4 up before a diving save from Sceal put Wells through amid wild celebrations. 

 

Team: Tommy Sceal, Ron Little, Mason Nicholls, Len Minihane, Connor Knight, Matt Dunmall, Ned Lewis, Reece Anderson, Finn Hartley, Max Lambert, James Dunn. Subs: Fin Wolvey, Rockie Burke, Ollie Thomson, Micky Mantle. 

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6th February 2024

Tunbridge Wells 2 VCD Athletic 1 

A great day for the Wells as a welcome sponsorship deal was followed by three league points in a lively and competitive game in windy and rainy conditions. As usual, Wells started the game getting the ball out wide and sending in crosses, one in the first minute from Astle begging for a touch in the middle but no takers. The first decent chance came on 8 mins, a free kick floated into the box where Lewins stooped low and headed towards goal, the keeper saving well to his right. Three minutes later a big let off for the home team as Bentley missed a cross from the right and a VCD player stabbed wide of an open goal, having not expected the ball to reach him. On 20 mins, Ward was the first of many players who ended up going in the ref’s book, for jumping into a challenge. A couple of half chances for both sides followed before Wells took the lead on 40 mins. Lewins was fouled while holding the ball up near the left touch line, Astle curled over an inviting cross and Akinlusi climbed well to power a header into the net. The lead only lasted five mins however as on the brink of half time the ball was laid back from the right side to a VCD player on the edge of the box. The shot was not very firmly struck but Bentley let the ball through his hands. Not one he’ll be happy with. 

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HT 1-1 

 

In the early stages of the half it was the visitors looking more likely to grab the lead with a decent effort that dipped over the bar before tricky number nine Callender worked an opening on the edge of the box and crashed a shot against the crossbar. But from the hour mark Wells began to apply some pressure. First Corke beat his full back on the right and crossed for McCreadie who couldn’t get a good enough connection with his header. Then came the winning goal with a ball from the left flicked on by Lewins for Corke to run onto at the far post and rifle a shot into the roof of the net. A goalmouth scramble followed a minute later as Wells went in search of the third but VCD showed they were still a threat on 65 mins with a free kick on the edge of the box tipped over by Bentley. A VCD player and one of their subs picked up yellows for disputing decisions before Cotton tried his luck from distance on the left, the keeper fumbling it but managing to scramble it away from danger. VCD then came close after 76 mins, a free kick from the left swung in and headed to the edge of the box where a low shot went just wide. On 85 mins tempers boiled over after a trip on Astle which led to a lively scuffle. VCD came away with two yellows plus one for Akinlusi. One last chance fell to both sides as the clock reached 90 mins, a VCD corner on the left headed over on the stretch and then McCreadie almost taking the ball round the keeper before Corke’s effort was deflected wide. One last yellow for VCD for good measure and that was that. 

 

Team: Bentley, Tear, Cotton, Shield, White, Akinlusi, Corke, Ward, McCreadie, Lewins, Astle. Subs: Alaka, Austin, Vale, Gallagher, Hudson 

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30th January 2024

Tunbridge Wells 2 Lydd Town 2 

After a long absence from the Den, Wells fans were treated to an incident packed game which ultimately ended in disappointment as nine man (and briefly eight man) Lydd grabbed a point at the death. The tone for the game was set when a Lydd player hauled McCreadie to the ground after five minutes and received a yellow card. When the same player did exactly the same thing after 18 mins, off he went for an early shower. In between the cards, McCreadie met a cross from a short corner on the left with a backward flicked header just over. Another corner from the left after 21 mins reached the far post where it was nodded back into the middle and a shot appeared to strike an arm but penalty appeals were waved away. After 27 mins Shield sprayed the ball out to Corke on the right and his drilled cross was met on the stretch by McCreadie but diverted just wide of the left post. Wells got the lead they deserved after half an hour with Corke again providing the service from the right and McCreadie initially failing to get a good connection but still having time to take a second stab at it and find the net. Morgan Vale, making his first start for the Wells on the left, went into the book for a late challenge on 34 mins. 

 

HT 1-0 

 

Bentley had to be on his toes to make a sharp save soon after the restart in what was pretty much his first serious action of the game. Just after the hour mark Cotton crossed from the right and McCreadie was apparently pushed by a defender, leading to the award of a penalty kick. McCreadie stepped up but the keeper dived to his left and palmed the ball to safety. It was a costly miss as just a few minutes later a penalty was given at the other end, with White pulling a player to the ground. Lydd’s Sam Adams made no mistake, dispatching the shot low to Bentley’s left for 1-1. But after another four minutes it was all change again as Astle, who had come on for Vale at half time, curled a free kick into the far top corner after Shield had been fouled just outside the left edge of the box. The cards continued to flow with a Lydd player being sent to the sin bin on 69 mins for arguing a bit too fiercely with the ref and then, five minutes later, a straight red was shown to Pogue for a disgracefully high challenge on Tear. After 77 mins a welcome return for Lewins, as Ward made way. Shield was next into the ref’s notebook, getting a yellow card for a late challenge. Wells then missed a chance to wrap the game up on 83 mins, as McCreadie just missed a cross from the right but Astle side footed at goal at the far post but couldn’t beat the keeper. Even more cards followed as a foul on Cotton led to him being injured and replaced by Alaka and then Astle was booked for taking too long over a throw in. One last chance came the Wells way as Hudson swung over a cross from the right to the back post where Astle just failed to connect. Having failed to put the game to bed, Wells were made to pay with 90 mins on the clock as Troy Howard carried the ball down the right and saw his deflected shot loop over Bentley and into the far corner of the net for an unlikely equaliser. 

 

Team: Bentley, Tear, Cotton, Shield, White, Akinlusi, Corke, Hudson, McCreadie. Subs: Kamara, Dada, Astle, Alaka, Lewins.

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16th January 2024

AFC Whyteleafe 2 Tunbridge Wells 1  

The Wells hopes of silverware this season went into the deep freeze at an extremely cold Church Road as Division One big spenders AFC Whyteleafe progressed to the Challenge Cup semi finals. Wells came flying out the blocks and had the better of most of the first half, the pace and movement of Corke and Astle keeping the home defence busy. A Hudson volley and McCreadie header set the tone in the first five minutes although Whyteleafe showed their danger with a curler just over the top corner. Around the ten minute mark Corke got away down the right and centred low for the onrushing McCreadie but his close range effort was well saved. Then McCreadie nearly played Astle in behind but the keeper was out well to claim it. Shield was tripped as he made a trademark burst through the middle. From his free kick which was flighted into the box, Hudson headed just over. A close shave for the Wells as a home player went down the left after 29 mins and fizzed across a dangerous low ball that was just missed by their man in the middle. Tear picked up a yellow from a frustratingly inconsistent ref after 40 mins for taking some of the player as well as the ball. Just after that, a ball was played into the box to McCreadie with his back to goal and he appealed for a penalty as he went to ground. While doing so, he still managed to find Astle on the overlap who shot into the side netting. Level terms would have been the least Wells deserved at the break but the Leafe took the lead after 43 mins, the ball worked across the edge of the box from right to left where a fierce shot was parried away by Bentley but picked out a home player who drove the ball into the net. 

 

HT 1-0 

 

While the first half started with Wells on the front foot, Whyteleafe had more of a grip on the game in the second half with fewer clear chances for either side. The home team saw a curled effort go just wide of the far post after an hour and, a few minutes later, came a good chance for the Wells as Astle crossed from the right and McCreadie chested the ball just over from close range. With Camara on for Tear, Leafe put in a good ball from the right and Bentley pulled off a great save at point blank range. A Camara corner from the right on 70 mins was met with an on target downward header from White but a defender blocked it. Then a good parried save from Bentley before on 75 mins the home side made the game safe. A Shield pass was intercepted but Wells seemed to have plenty of chances to deal more decisively with the attack as it built down the right. The ball eventually found its way into the box where it was curled brilliantly into the far top corner for 2-0. This was the cue for Austin, Dada and Vale to enter the fray as Cotton, Ward and Hudson made way. But there was only time for a late consolation on 90 mins as Astle drove forward on the right and slipped the ball to Corke who drove low into the net. Hopes were briefly raised but, as in the first half the ref strangely seemed to add no time on despite plenty of stoppages. Cup dreams are over for another year. 

 

Team: Bentley, Tear, Ward, Shield, White, Akinlusi, Corke, Hudson, McCreadie, Astle, Cotton. Subs: Alaka, Austin, Camara, Dada, Vale 

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13th January 2024

Tunbridge Wells (Reserves) 2 Sittingbourne (Reserves) 1 

After a tough start to life in the Kent County League the Reserves have well and truly found their feet with this win the third in their last four games. Wells got the first shot away after 9 mins with the ball worked to the impressive Matt Hathway who drove just wide. Sittingbourne then had a couple of decent efforts of their own before on 23 mins Max Lambert nicked the ball off a hesitant defender but the keeper blocked the effort. The first goal arrived on 36 mins as a ball over the top from Hathway released Lambert who’s shot was parried into the air by the keeper and guided over the line by Emmanuel Falaiye. Almost a second in time added on as Hathway swung a free kick to the far post where central defender Jack Morris nodded just wide.

 

HT 1-0

 

Wells started the second half strongly as they looked to get a vital second with Zak Wolvey and Teddy Farmer both attacking the right side of the box and going close with angled shots. On 55 mins Wolvey played Lambert in down the left and he pulled the ball back to Hathway who’s shot was saved and then the follow up effort from Lambert was also dealt with by the keeper. Just a minute after that Wells claimed the second as an excellent tackle was won in the middle of the park allowing Farmer to charge down the left and drill a low ball across for Rockie Burke to finish at the far post. A good link up between Farmer and Falaiye almost carved out a third on 73 mins but the away team were given a possible lifeline on 81 mins when a ball over the top on the right hand side was rifled into the net from the edge of the box giving Jason Hayward in goal no chance. But apart from a couple of long range efforts over the bar Wells saw out time reasonably comfortably for a well earned victory.

 

Team: Jason Hayward, Liam Saunders, Jack Morris, Micky Mantle, Jordan Tomsett, Zak Wolvey, Matt Hathway, Emmanuel Falaiye, Max Lambert, Teddy Farmer, Rockie Burke. Subs: Jamie Bidston, Ollie Thomson, Michael Simmonds, Rod Lloyd, Alfie Kilbey

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30th December 2023

Rusthall 0 Tunbridge Wells 2  

Rocks derbies are supposed to be close, cagey affairs. This one was nothing of the sort as Wells dominated from start to finish and should have won by a more comfortable margin. Wells had a couple of strikes at goal in the first five minutes, a low ball in from the left from Dada to McCreadie, who teed up Leppard for a shot high and wide before a Wells player (unidentified) fired in a shot on the right side which the keeper pushed round the left post. Rusthall had to wait 15 mins for their first effort, a free kick on the edge of the box which Atkinson struck well but comfortably wide. Just before the 20 minute mark came two great chances for the Wells in quick succession. First, debutant Jason Shield swung in a cross from the left which McCreadie met with a header onto the top of the bar. Then Corke sprinted down the right in acres of space and slid a low shot past the keeper but a defender got back to block the effort. On 23 mins Hammond showed good footwork on the left for the Rustics and pulled the ball back for Atkinson but his shot was charged down. Two minutes later Corke got away down the right again and centred for McCreadie who slid in and directed the ball over - it looked a bad miss but the flag went up. Two more chances for the lively McCreadie as a sloppy Youngah was dispossessed as the home team tried to play out from the back but he blasted his shot wide of the post. Then Corke was the provider again with a cross from the right but McCreadie’s header dropped just wide of the far post. A half chance for the home team as Blunn found Ibrahim down the right channel but he scuffed his shot. Then two minutes before half time a penalty appeal from the Wells as a deflected shot looped into the air. As it came down the keeper dived forward to try and grab the ball but appeared to grab McCreadie’s legs instead. Nothing given though and it was goalless at the break. 

 

HT 0-0 

 

The pattern of Wells domination continued after the break and again it was Corke giving the Rusthall defence nightmares, feeding McCreadie for a shot just over and then causing more problems with the ball dropping to Tear for a curling effort just over the far top corner. Rusthall defender Blunn was almost hero turned villain around the hour mark, first sliding in to almost get on the end of a shot that was going well wide then dwelling on the ball in his own box allowing Dada to pinch the ball and drive an effort into the side netting. The game then went a bit scrappy with the ref dishing out no fewer than four yellow cards to Rusthall, including one for their bench. Hudson and Alaka also went in the book for fouls. Things livened up again on 74 mins when Hudson fizzed in a great low ball from the left but no one could reach it. Then, finally, Wells got the lead they deserved after 79 mins as that man Corke again drove into the box and Rusthall failed to clear their lines, the ball finding it’s way to substitute Camara who drove it low into the net. The keeper then fumbled a shot from Camara which McCreadie couldn’t quite take advantage of before Wells wrapped up the win on 80 mins. Another Camara shot was pushed away by the keeper but only as far as Brad Austin, also on as a sub, who hooked the ball expertly into the corner of the net. No further drama as Wells took a very comfortable victory which could have been by a much bigger margin. On a very positive day, the only slight frustration is wondering why these kind of performances don’t come on a more regular basis. Today, every Wells player showed exactly what they’re capable of and Rusthall were nowhere near having an answer. 

 

Team: Bentley, Tear, Alaka, Shield, White, Akinlusi, Corke, Leppard, McCreadie, Hudson, Dada. Subs: Camara, Austin, Gallagher, Vale, Robinson. 

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16th December 2023

Cuxton (Reserves) 1 Tunbridge Wells (Reserves) 5  

The story of the season for the Reserves up until this game had been dominating matches but ending up on the losing side against older more experienced opposition. But there was a feeling it would only be a matter of time before that changed and it was Cuxton Res on the receiving end of a thrashing. Helped by experienced players such as Tommy Sceal, Zak Wolvey and Johnny Phillips, Wells took a grip on the game from the start. Jack Gallagher, Len Minihane and Phillips all went close before Gallagher headed in from a Zak Wolvey corner on the left after 11 mins. Phillips forced a good save from the keeper soon after but the home team were a threat on the break and Sceal had to be quick off his line to block a counter attack on 21 mins. Jay Donoghue hooked an effort over his shoulder from the edge of the box on 21 mins but it went just over then on 25 mins Ollie Thomson cut in from the left and hit a long range effort which the keeper pushed round the post. Fin Wolvey had an effort scrambled off the line but then Cuxton wasted a great chance after 27 mins, shooting wide with Sceal stranded. Rockie Burke slipped a pass through for Phillips to fire just over on 38 mins and then Phillips crossed from the left, Gallagher flicked it on and Donoghue drove a shot just wide. Last action of the half was Gallagher blasting a free kick at goal which was parried by the keeper and scrambled away before Jack Morris could get on the end of it. 

 

HT 0-1

 

The only criticism of the first half would have been missed chances and it looked like they might be costly when Cuxton Res equalised after 47 mins, a right wing cross into the middle where a home player did well to control the ball with back to goal, turn and fire home. Wells were soon back on the front foot though, with Fin Wolvey winning a great challenge on 64 mins to release Gallagher down the right. His cross to the far post was met by a shot from Thomson, brilliantly tipped round by the keeper. Zak Wolvey teed up Phillips for a low effort that drew another good save before Wells were finally back in front on 66 mins as a corner from the left was headed down and forced over the line by Micky Mantle. A couple of minutes later it was 3-1 as Phillips released Thomson and he made ground down the left before crossing low for a Gallagher tap in. Cuxton could have pulled one back on 78 mins, a cross from the left chested over the bar. Wells then put the game out of reach in time added on as Max Lambert went down the right and drove a low ball across to the far post where Jamie Bidston was on hand to apply the finish. There was time for one more great block from Sceal and a last ditch interception by Morris before Lambert was sent through by Gallagher and calmly finished into the corner to make it 5-1. Burke fired one just wide before the final whistle. 

 

Team: Tommy Sceal, Len Minihane, Micky Mantle, Jack Morris, Zak Wolvey, Fin Wolvey, Max Lambert, Johnny Phillips, Jack Gallagher, Jay Donoghue, Ollie Thomson

Subs: Rockie Burke, Jamie MacNaughton, Jamie Bidston

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12th December 2023

VCD Ath 0 Tunbridge Wells 0  

A game of plenty of chances but no end product as Wells had to settle for a point in this league encounter. Despite non stop rain all day the pitch was in great condition at VCD’s impressive ground. The first chance arrived on 13 mins as White pinged a great long ball from right to left sending Camara clear but his shot whistled just over the bar. VCD were constantly trying to play long balls out wide to their pacy winger Richard Jimoh and after 17 mins one such ball sent him through but Carter was out well to block. Wells thought they had the lead on 21 mins when a poor ball out from defence was intercepted and Robinson played a clever pass in behind for McCreadie on the left who finished across the keeper into the far corner, but up went the flag for a marginal offside. Just before the half hour mark Corke combined well with Zabadne on the right with the latter crossing slightly behind McCreadie who’s twisting header went wide. On 38 mins a VCD corner from the right picked out a player with a free header on the edge of the box which looped just over. A good chance for Wells followed on 40 mins when Hudson played a great ball out to Corke on the right. His cross fell to Robinson on the edge of the box who drove an effort wide of the left hand post. By this time Jimoh had switched from left to right and he took a pass, cut inside and fired in a shot which Carter palmed away at his near post. The last first half chance for Wells came just before the whistle when Camara crossed from the left and Hudson hooked at shot at goal which the keeper clawed away. 

 

HT 0-0

 

Five minutes had passed when Camara beat his man on the right and his shot was parried away at the near post.  The game then went a bit quiet for a while before Wells created a few chances around the 65 minute mark with Robinson hitting two shots over, one nicely teed up by Alaka, and then Corke cutting inside for a shot pushed away by the keeper. On 70 mins a corner floated to the back post found White who fired wide. With Dada coming on for Corke, VCD having been on the back foot sensed a late winner might be up for grabs and pushed forward. On 73 mins a VCD cross from the right was cleared only to the edge of the box where a shot towards the corner of the net was cleared off the line. Then a minute later a VCD shot from close range from an angle on the right went just over. A chance for Wells after 83 mins when a header goalwards from a corner was almost bundled over the line by McCreadie. Tear, Austin and Gallagher all came on for Wells in the closing stages but it was VCD who now looked more likely to snatch the points with a good block needed from Carter on 85 mins and then Carter made his only mistake as the ball slipped from his grasp from a looping header and a VCD player pounced but could only drill across goal and past the far post. One last chance for Wells saw a Dada shot blocked but in the end the deadlock couldn’t be broken. Wells might feel they edged it on chances but a draw was probably a fair result in the end. 

 

Team: Carter, Zabadne, Alaka, Leppard, White, Akinlusi, Corke, Hudson, McCreadie, Robinson, Camara 

Subs: Dada, Gallagher, Austin, Tear 

  

11th December 2023

Welling Town (u23) 0 Tunbridge Wells (u23) 2

Wells got off to a fast start in this top v bottom encounter with Jack Gallagher firing over the bar after five mins and then good link up play between Lewis and Gallagher on the left resulting in a cross whipped in low to the usually reliable Cam Wootton who sliced wide of the far post. Wells were nearly made to pay after 15 mins when the Welling number 9 tried his luck from distance, the ball rebounding back off the post. Normal service resumed after 22 mins as a stunning long range free kick from Mason Nicholls clipped the top of the bar and then Wootton’s ball in from the right found Fin Wolvey but the keeper saved well. But Welling then created a couple of half chances, with returning first team keeper George Bentley up to the task, saving an angled shot at the near post and then coming out for a one on one and deflecting it away with his legs. Nicholls then sent Lewis through on the half hour and his low shot was tipped wide before Gallagher’s header went just over from the resulting corner. The Welling 9 was still causing a few problems, working a bit of space on the left side and drilling low past the far post. But a period of Wells pressure just before half time eventually brought its reward. Ron Little fired a long ranger just over before Wootton couldn’t quite reach a low ball across the area, but then a ball in from the right found Gallagher in a bit of space and he calmly slotted past the keeper just before the half time whistle. 

 

HT 0-1 

 

Nearly a quick second for Wells in the second half as Little released Max Lambert on the right but Gallagher put the cross wide. A couple of chances for Welling to equalise followed after 49 and 55 mins as Bentley first did well to block a close range shot from an angle and then pulled off a great save after a ball over the top of the defence was struck with some force. Hart nodded a corner from the left just wide before Wells got a second just after the hour as the ball was worked into Lewis in the middle of the pitch but some distance from goal , from where he curled a great effort out of the keeper’s reach. A minute later and it was nearly three as Wootton centred for Lambert sliding in at the far post but the effort went over. Bentley then showed off his skills one last time with a point blank save before Wootton found the side netting after being put through by Lewis and then Lambert nearly got his head to a great ball in from the right from Rockie Burke. Welling played better than their lowly position suggested and this was another good nights work from the Wells u23s who made it nine wins from their first nine league games. 

 

Team: George Bentley, Ron Little, Len Minihane, Mason Nicholls, Fin Wolvey, Joe Hart, Ned Lewis, Max Lambert, Jack Gallagher, Cam Wootton, James Dunn 

Subs: Rockie Burke, George Stevenson, Jack Morris, Matty Dunmall, Ollie Thomson 

 

30th November 2023

Erith Town (u23) 1 Tunbridge Wells (u23) 2

The u23s kept up their remarkable 100% start to the season with their ninth straight win in all competitions, and eighth in the league, with a hard fought victory at a freezing cold Bayliss Avenue. It looked like it might be a simple task when Wells opened the scoring after 14 mins when the home keeper made a bit of a hash of things coming out for the ball and was dispossessed by Jack Gallagher who took it round him and hit the far post, Ned Lewis following up to tap in the rebound. Then a minute later Max Lambert went down the right and crossed low for James Dunn but the shot was cleared off the line. But this was no walk in the park for Wells as Erith started to apply pressure and their highly rated centre forward Mahmoud Amodu put them level on 18 mins, applying the finishing touch to a low cross from the right. This seemed to unsettle the away defence and a shot into the side netting from the home side shortly after was a bit of a let off. A Zac Wolvey free kick was almost headed into his own net by a home defender and then Lambert zipped a cross in from the right which a Wells player slid in for but couldn’t quite reach. The game was now end to end, the tricky number nine firing just over for Erith and then a good ball in from the right completely missed by the player in the middle when it looked like a tap in. Wells had a penalty shout after 39 mins when Joe Hart played a good ball down the right to Lambert who crossed for Gallagher who looked like he may have had his foot clipped as he tried to apply the finish. Up the other end and a twist and turn on the edge of the box and a deflected shot that looped just over the bar. 

 

HT 1-1 

 

After a fairly even start to the half, Wells slowly began to get a grip. A Wolvey corner from the right on the hour was met by a downward header at the back post from Gallagher which brought a good save from the home keeper. After 64 mins, Wells were back in front with a great move, Gallagher collecting the ball on the halfway line and releasing Lewis with a superb through ball. Lewis ran onto it with a lot to do but produced a fine finish into the far corner. Lewis then had a half chance to complete his hatrick as he charged towards goal on the right hand side but this time the shot was well wide. Wells then had to survive a couple of late scares as a long ball into the box from the right on 86 mins was headed high over the bar and then, on 90 mins, a free kick was whipped into the danger area but missed by both attack and defence and ran out of play. A well earned three points for the Wells after one of their toughest tests so far. 

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29th November 2023

Snodland Town 0 Tunbridge Wells 1 

Wells effectively kept their season alive as they scrapped their way to the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup with a hard fought win over Snodland Town in freezing conditions in a game which ended dramatically. The away team came flying out the blocks and had three decent chances in the first five minutes. First, Camara, who caused the home team problems all night, wriggled into the box past a couple of challenges but shot straight at the keeper. Then Hudson received a throw on the right and drove a shot just wide of the far post, before Corke and Zabadne combined well down the right with the latter firing low across the box and Camara side footing just wide as he slid in. Snodland didn’t pose any threat in the opening stages, finally producing a drive wide from the edge of the box after 15 mins. After Wells early burst the game went quiet with the home team finding their way into the game but with no real threat. Wells had another chance around the half hour mark as a ball through the middle found Camara but he couldn’t take it in his stride, instead laying off to McCreadie who’s shot deflected wide. Then came the crucial moment around five minutes before the break when White almost played McCreadie through, the ball finding its way to Ward who fed Camara and he took it round the keeper and slid the ball into the net.

 

HT 0-1

 

Set pieces looked the most likely route back into the game for Snodland, with a corner from the right sidefooted wide and then one from the left headed just over. Around the hour mark Wells caught the home team on the break, a cross field ball from left to right by Camara finding Corke but he dragged his shot wide of the far post. At around the mid point of the half a Snodland free kick on the edge of the box was well held by Carter and then came a big chance for the home team as a free kick was met by a downward header, which was scrambled off the line by Hudson. Then a ball in from the right was half cleared and a Snodland player shot over the bar. With about ten minutes still to play came the drama as a Snodland player made his way into the box on the right hand side, and nicked the ball past Akinlusi with the big centre back committed to the challenge. Penalty given and time for heroics from Carter as he saved low to his left, pushing the ball away and then taking a boot to the head as he scrambled to gather the loose ball. With Carter forced off, McCreadie took over goalkeeping duties but, apart from finding himself bundled into the net after some pushing and shoving waiting for a corner to be taken, he wasn’t really troubled. Wells deservedly advanced into the next round in front of an impressive turnout from the away fans. 

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21st November 2023

Tunbridge Wells (Reserves) 1 Baypoint 5

After a great cup win last week, it was back down to earth for the young Reserves team as four first half goals against a physical and experienced Baypoint side gave them a mountain to climb. The first goal came after just seven mins as a corner from the right was headed in at the back post. Wells then created a couple of half chances with a throw from the right flicked on and volleyed over at the far post by Sam Greenall before a defensive clearance put Jay Donoghue in behind but his shot was comfortably gathered. The visitors went two up after 23 mins, a nicely worked move from left to right and a good low finish into the corner. A poor period this for the home side as just six minutes later they were four behind. Firstly a free kick hit the post and rebounded for a tap in, then a Baypoint player worked a bit of space on the left of the box and finished easily. After 37 mins Ollie Thomson went down the right and played the ball across for Max Lambert but his shot was blocked.

 

HT 0-4

 

After a very uneven first half the second period saw a much improved effort from the home side. Although Baypoint hit the bar it was mostly Wells pressure and they got one back after 55 mins as Greenall released Lambert down the right and he was shoved over as he advanced into the box. The ref pointed to the spot and Donoghue made no mistake with the penalty kick. Keffari Gayle came on as a sub and looked lively, putting in a low cross into the box after 70 mins that was just behind Jamie Bidston in the middle. But the away team restored their four goal lead shortly after with a strike that took a big defection leaving George Stevenson helpless. Gayle set off on a great run through the middle after 77 mins but couldn’t find a finish to match the run and then around the 80 minute mark Fin Wolvey had a shot blocked and then Bidston put in a cross from the left and Gayle fired just over. Baypoint then hit the underside of the bar before one last chance for the Wells as Jamie McNaughton whipped in a great cross from the right but Bidston’s effort was blocked.

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21st November 2023

Glebe 3 Tunbridge Wells 2 

A really good performance from the Wells but you still don’t get results with poor defending and there were, once again, too many basic errors at the back. A good start to the game from the visitors with Dada nearly slipping McCreadie in on goal in the 10th minute and a good ball in from a free kick on the left a few minutes later which McCreadie side-footed just wide, only for the flag to go up. But then after 18 mins a goal out of nothing for Glebe as a long ball was launched into the box which Carter failed to gather. Glebe’s Tom Hever still had a lot to do but arrowed his strike into the far top corner. Chances continued to arrive for the Wells, McCreadie with a deflected shot wide, Akinlusi with a volley over the bar from a Camara corner on the right and then Corke cutting into the box and holding off a couple of challenges before opting to try and lay off when he might have shot. A deserved equaliser came on 25 mins when Zabadne lofted a pass down the right for Corke who took the ball in his stride and slid a low cross into the box for McCreadie to tap over the line. A couple of yellow cards followed, one for Rory Ward for tripping an opponent as he advanced through the middle then one for Glebe for a trip on the tricky Dada as he showed good footwork on the edge of the box. On 38 mins Glebe whipped in a dangerous ball from the right which Akinlusi did well to scoop over his own bar. But on the verge of half time Phillips conceded a corner as Glebe broke down the left. From the kick, Hever was left completely unmarked in the middle to head home from the edge of the six yard box. 

 

HT 2-1 

 

Wells pressed hard for an equaliser, a good move involving Ward and Dada ending with a deflected shot over the bar from Corke on 54 mins. A few minutes after that Camara worked a bit of space on the edge of the box and let fly, the ball smacking the crossbar. The goal was coming and on the hour mark it arrived, and what a beauty. Ward sprayed the ball out to Corke on the right, he worked his way across the edge of the box and found Dada on the left. Dada then shifted the ball from his left foot to right and curled it into the top corner for a goal of the season contender. Having done all the hard work, Wells then threw it away with some more bad defending just a minute later when a cross from the right was again met by the unmarked Hever for a downward header into the right hand corner of the net to complete his hattrick. Steve Smith came on for Camara after 67 mins to add some height and physical presence. Glebe picked up another yellow as Coyle made a rash challenge on Dada. With 15 mins left a corner from the right was delivered low to McCreadie who’s shot was blocked by the keeper’s legs, but the flag went up. Shortly after, an injured Dada limped off and Mo Alaka came on. With 10 mins left, Wells thought they had an equaliser when a corner from Corke on the right was met by McCreadie and it looked like a deflection had taken it past the scrambling keeper and over the line. Whether it was or not, it wasn’t given! Glebe missed a fairly simple finish in the closing stages as Wells kept pushing forward and Smith had an effort blocked at the near post as the clock ticked down. Wolvey and Austin came on in the closing stages as Wells changed shape in an effort to get on level terms but in the end a brave effort brought no reward. 

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11th November 2023

Tunbridge Wells Reserves 2 Cinque Ports 4

A defeat for Wells but a performance which deserved much more in this Kent County League Division 2 game. A very young Wells side came up against much older and more experienced players but outplayed them for most of the game. Only the finishing was missing.

 

Wells started on the front foot with Brad Austin and Max Lambert linking up well and getting a lot of joy down the right hand side. Cinque Ports, who have only lost one league game so far, had the first shot after 2 mins with a long range effort but then it was all Wells. Just after the away keeper picked up a yellow card for handling outside the box, Wells put together a good move down the left with Sam Greenall crossing for Austin to tee up Ollie Thomson who’s shot was blocked. Several chances followed around the quarter hour mark with Austin blasting just over, then playing in Lambert down the right who shot just past the post and then Greenall curling just over from distance. Cinque Ports then went close when a ball was played from left to right into the box where an away player cut inside and had his shot parried by George Stevenson and the follow up was fired over. After 23 mins Wells took a deserved lead when Rockie Burke won the ball superbly in midfield and slid a pass through for Austin to run on and finish low past the keeper. Austin nearly got another six mins later when the keeper flapped at a ball over the top but managed to block Austin’s shot. After 31 mins, and against the run of play, the visitors were level as Stevenson was just beaten to a through ball and the shot was helped over the line by Burke, but was on its way in anyway. Five mins later and it was 2-1, the ball rearing up off the pitch and hitting Thomson’s arm for a free kick outside the box. Great finish from the kick as it flew low into the corner. Two more close efforts from Austin before half time, one clipping the bar and the other a low drive tipped round the post.

 

HT 1-2

 

Unfortunately Wells had a slow start to the second half, not doing enough to stop a cross coming in from the left after 52 mins and it was tapped in for 1-3. Then five mins later a good move down the left ended with another close range finish and a totally underserved three goal lead. From then on it was one chance after another for the Wells. After sub Leo Austin-Rock was tripped as he ran through the middle, Thomson whipped a long range free kick that was well saved after 59 mins, then two mins later excellent pressuring from Greenall down the left meant the ball ran free for Thomson to hit the near post from a tight angle. Around the 70 min mark Austin went close with a free kick and both he and Austin-Rock were denied by the keeper. The away side had a couple of half chances before on 81 mins Thomson had two close range efforts cleared off the line. A minute later Thomson went down the right wing and crossed to the far post where Austin-Rock headed home for 2-4. Still seemed like enough time to get a result but despite further efforts from Austin and Austin-Rock another goal wouldn’t quite come.

 

Some excellent work all over the pitch and so many chances created but above all a great learning experience for a young side. Better results will surely follow.

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7th November 2023

Tunbridge Wells 2 Glebe 0

The Challenge Cup was probably not the biggest priority for either side but this was a good performance and win for the Wells and a confidence boost ahead of Sunday’s Vase tie. 

Wells applied some early pressure with Leppard testing the away keeper with a long range strike after two mins. Five mins later and the away side had their first effort, a low cross from the right intercepted into the path of a Glebe player who blazed over. Wells took the lead on 11 mins, Leppard spraying the ball out to Corke on the right who beat two defenders before squaring to the onrushing Lewins who squeezed the ball over the keeper from close range. Having dominated the early exchanges Wells then started coughing up possession a bit too easily. On 21 mins a ball through the middle split the Wells defence and Carter had to be alert to rush out and clear the danger. Shortly afterwards, Ward and Lewins combined well down the left channel, the ball finding its way to Leppard who’s firm drive was parried away by the keeper. After half an hour, Corke again beat his man and crossed low for McCreadie at the near post who couldn’t quite connect well enough to turn it in. Two mins later Glebe went close with an effort on the left hand side which just cleared the far top corner. After 40 mins a strange yellow card for Lewins when he appeared to be caught himself, but the ref saw it differently. This was followed soon after by a short corner from Glebe which appeared to catch the home defence a bit cold and a cross to the far post was headed narrowly over. 

HT 1-0

 

Just three mins into the second half, Wells nearly extended the lead. A quick free kick from the middle was played out to the ever dangerous Corke on the right who’s cross found McCreadie, but his effort was cleared off the line. But a few minutes after that, Corke effectively sealed the win, running onto a long ball, taking it his stride and firing low into the far corner. After 55 mins, a yellow card for Glebe following a rash challenge. Just after the hour mark, Wells nearly had a third as Lewins slipped a ball to McCreadie overlapping on the right but the shot hit the side netting. Glebe put some decent moves together in the latter stages as they sought a way back into the game. On 66 mins, a testing ball in from the right was well intercepted by Carter as several Glebe players waited for a tap in. Then after 75 mins Glebe dangerman Philpott found himself with time and space in the box but scuffed his shot wide. The away team continued to deliver crosses into the box at every opportunity but the Wells defence held firm and never looked unduly troubled. 

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4th November 2023

Lordswood 1 Tunbridge Wells 0

A miserable afternoon thanks to the weather and a disappointing performance from the Wells, who worked hard but never really posed enough threat and again looked too vulnerable to crosses into the box. Arguably the highlight was a canine invasion of the pitch after an hour, followed by the dog’s owner casually wandering across the pitch in pursuit.

 

It could have been a different afternoon if a penalty had been awarded after just two minutes when a neat exchange of passes between Ward and Lewins saw Ward advance into the box and possibly get tripped, but nothing given. A few minutes later Lords showed their threat on the break, Carter rushing out of his goal to block as a home player headed for goal. Lords then settled into a period of pressure where they sought to get the ball wide as much as possible, especially to their tricky right winger Josh Reid who posed more than a few problems. But having seen off a few dangerous crosses, Wells had a chance up the other end when a cross from the right was flicked on by White and volleyed just wide of the far post by Akinlusi. Dan Tear was unlucky to find himself in the ref’s book just after the half hour mark following a tackle in the middle of the park that looked firm but fair. A few minutes of the half remained when a Lords corner on the right was hit high and long to the far post where a firm downward header went unchallenged and James Jeffrey scrambled it over the line. A scruffy goal and seemingly an absence of decent marking. Into time added on and a decent move involving Ward and Lewins broke down when Tear slipped and the home team broke dangerously, their centre forward seeing the ball nicked off his toes as he bore down on goal.

 

Half time 1-0

 

A reasonably bright period just before the hour mark saw Camara reach a ball down the left that looked like it was going out and hooked it into the middle where Corke nodded it down for McCreadie to fire a shot over from the edge of the box. A couple of minutes later a Camara throw on the left to Lewins saw him cut inside towards goal and take aim at the near post but the keeper was equal to the task. A Lords corner from the right on the hour mark was headed to the edge of the box and hammered high over the bar. The first of a flurry of yellow cards for the home side began with their full back Rahman Kareem flying into a reckless challenge on Tear. They collected another four yellows in the last 20 minutes, including someone in their dugout for hanging on to the ball too long. After 71 mins, Wells thought they had an equaliser. A Ward free kick on the left was flicked by McCreadie, bounced off the keeper’s chest and dropped for Camara to fire home. However a free kick was given to the Lords, apparently for a foul on the keeper. Carter did well to palm away a dangerous ball whipped in from the left on 72 mins and also blocked with his legs another half chance for the home team. In between those efforts, Lewins had what amounted to a last sniff of goal for the Wells, beating a couple of challenges but seeing his long range effort charged down.

 

No lack of effort from the Wells but it was all a bit huff and puff today with a lack of real quality in a game of few chances. Lordswood are no pushover these days though so the result arguably not the surprise it might once have been. Sadly though, Wells drop into the bottom half of the table.