Angels fallen as City secure home win

City secured a first Saturday win of the year, and made it successive two-nil wins at Twerton Park, this afternoon as goals from Brad Ash and Mitch Beardmore sent Tonbridge Angels back to Kent empty-handed. The visitors also ended the game with 10-men after a stoppage time red card for Sutcliffe, that saw goalkeeping coach Martin Horsell play the last couple of minutes up front.

The opening exchanges saw little of note at either end of the pitch, with City perhaps just shading the possession. They suffered a set-back just before the half-hour when top scorer Scott Wilson pulled up and had to be replaced by Beardmore. However, a couple of minutes later they took the lead. Jordan Alves cut in from the left flank to feed Ash and his shot flicked of the back of Fielding before looping over keeper Rowley. Just before the break Ash was inches away from doubling City’s lead as his shot was tipped against the outside of the post by Rowley

This escape proved temporary though as within a minute of the restart it was 2-0 when Tillson’s lofted ball forward was misjudged by Sutcliffe and Beardmore made no mistake from 12 yards out. Firmly in control of the game now City pressed for a third goal but despite a couple of half-chances couldn’t add to the scoring. It took a smart stop from Harvey Wiles-Richards to deny Nelson his side’s first effort on goal in the 78th minute. It looked as if the game would drift to its conclusion but there was some late excitement. Sutcliffe caught Luke Russe with a high boot and, after initially only booking the defender, the referee changed his mind and showed him a red card. Having already used their four outfield substitutes a hasty change of kit on the bench saw keeper Horsell ensure City, at least, would end the game with a full compliment of players. Jesse Nwabueze almost added to the scoring in the final minute of stoppage time, blasting a shot over the bar, but it mattered not as City rounded off a perfect week on home turf,