Tonbridge Angels haven’t managed to win a match in the Vanarama National League South since early December when they despatched Eastbourne Borough 3-0 at their Halcyon Wealth Longmead Stadium.
The Angels currently sit in 11th place after 13 games played so far, and are just eight points from the playoff spots but also just 11 points ahead of the drop.
A great moment presented itself at the start of January for the club when Tonbridge soared into a 3-0 lead against struggling Slough Town before halftime. Jordan Greenidge (2) and Devonte Aransibia with the goals.
With a run of three consecutive league defeats immediately behind them, Angels fans would have seen this as an opportunity to get back to winning ways. However, those intrepid supporters were once again let down as Tonbridge slumped in the second half to finish the match with a 3-3 draw. Slough were always looking the likelier to add to the score line and they produced a number efforts without reward, but it was simply a prelude to what was to happen next.
Slough might have even harboured thoughts of winning the game but in the end the drama was over with Tonbridge wondering how they had let a 3-0 half time lead let slip.
After the match, Angels manager, Jay Saunders, didn’t hold back with his post match comments: “I’m very disappointed with the end result. Quite honestly it feels like a defeat. When you are 3-0 up at the break and playing at home, then you must see the game out. We’ve scored goals, yes, but it’s our defensive duties that have let us down.”
Come what May
In the immediate future, Tonbridge travel to St Albans City (Jan 14) and Hampton & Richmond Borough (Jan 21) before hosting three home fixtures on the bounce: Dover Athletic (Jan 24); Braintree Town (Jan 28) and Worthing (Feb 4).
And with anything less than a couple wins from those five matches, it will leave supporters wondering if their season is already over, with mid-table obscurity looking the most likely.
However, with players staying fit and a good run from them at this stage in the season, it should see them propelled into the Vanarama National League playoffs come May.
