Late penalty miss denies City vital win

City had to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw against Tonbridge Angels at Twerton Park this afternoon after a late penalty miss from Cody Cooke. The Roman’s top scorer had netted from the spot after just 10 minutes before the visitors levelled five minutes before the break. Although not at their best in the second half City were handed the perfect chance to grab the win but Cooke fired the 86th minute penalty wide.

City had already had a strong penalty appeal on seven minutes – the referee awarding a free-kick on the edge of the area after Cooke appeared to be fouled just inside the box – but two minutes later he did point to the spot when a goalmouth scramble ended with Jordan Dyer having his legs swept out from under him by Vincent. Cooke sending Henly the wrong way from 12 yards for his 20th goal of the season. Tonbridge responded well to going behind as Joe Raynes did well to snuff out a dangerous attack then Will Buse had to turn Meade’s low shot behind for a corner. They continued to enjoy the upper hand and five minutes before the break deservedly equalised from Sutcliffe’s thumping header.

The opening exchanges of the second half followed a similar pattern but City began to show a greater urgency as the game passed the hour mark. Scott Wilson and Dan Hayfield both fashioned shooting chances but Henly comfortably dealt with the efforts. Dyer then rose highest at the back post but his header again lacked the direction to trouble Angels keeper. However, with seven minutes left another melee in the Tonbridge box saw substitute Ephraim Yeboah’s shot blocked by Fielding’s outstretched arm and referee again awarded a penalty. After a long delay while several Tonbridge players disputed the decision Cooke stepped up but, this time, sent the ball wide of the left-hand post.