Tonbridge Invicta Under 16's v Horley Town

SIMPLY THE BEST!

HORLEY TOWN 1 TONBRIDGE INVICTA 2

06.10.02

This was an excellent advert for Tandridge League football as two quality sides battled out a top of the table fixture in a competitive, but at all times sportsmanlike, spirit at the Crawley home of Horley Town.

Both teams were unbeaten before this match and it was clear from the first whistle that neither wanted to surrender their good start to the season. Horley were quickly out of the traps and within a few minutes had struck the Invicta woodwork, but the pattern of the game was soon set as Invicta swiftly responded, creating their own early pressure.

On five minutes a goal kick from Tonbridge keeper Ben Fitzer was flicked on by Daniel Howse and striker Daniel Powell latched on to the ball. His speed and slight of feet proved a thorn in the Horley side for the whole game, and on this occasion he darted into the home penalty area only to be brought down. The referee did not hesitate and pointed directly to the spot. Up stepped midfielder Daniel Howse to coolly slot the ball away and give Invicta the lead.

The game continued to ebb and flow. Invicta's commitment across the pitch and not insignificant footballing ability created a number of additional chances, but Horley were also exerting influence. With about 30 minutes gone a cleverly flighted free kick caught the away defence out and a Horley striker ran on to it and finished well to make the score 1-1. That's how it stayed until the break.

Early in the second half Horley went after the game and for a while had Invicta on the back foot. The visitors managed to keep them at bay, however, and it wasn't long before the contest was an even one again. Despite the fact that Tonbridge went on to create a couple of excellent chances, it seemed as if neither side would break the deadlock. But with about 12 minutes to go, Daniel Powell got on the end of a good Invicta passing move up the right. He beat several players to get to the bye line and pulled the ball back for a waiting Daniel Howse. He set himself and thundered the bail into the top left hand corner of the Horley net to give Tonbridge the lead once more.

As the game came to a close Invicta were able to soak up any pressure Horley could muster and looked increasingly comfortable with what proved to be the decisive lead.

Both sides should be congratulated for a splendid match, as indeed should referee Bill Chaffe, whose excellent control played its part in making it such a spectacle.

Tonbridge voted striker Luke Saunders as their Man of The Match in recognition of his tireless and selfless work up front that so often allowed others to play. The Kent side celebrated their confirmation as League leaders following the match.