Tonbridge Invicta Under 16's v Horley Town

EXCELLENT WAY TO FINISH

HORLEY TOWN 0 TONBRIDGE INVICTA 2

27.04.03

Having just returned from a successful 3 match tour of Holland Tonbridge Invicta were keen to take their renewed team spirit into their last League game of the season. While the title slipped from their grasp a few weeks ago, Runners Up or third would not be out of the question provided they won this fixture.

On a dry, hard pitch at Horley's Tinsley Lane venue in Crawley, the match was barely three minutes old before Invicta were ahead. A smart through ball allowed striker Daniel Powell to use his electric pace to lose the Horley centre backs. He drew the keeper and finished well for his 46th goal of the season in all competitions.

Horley worked hard to get back into the match, exerting a fair degree of pressure but never quite finding the finishing touch. Tonbridge for their part stood firm and mounted one or two penetrating raids of their own. On 23 minutes Paul Muddle hooked an acrobatic cross high into the Horley penalty area. Invicta Man Of The Match Daniel Howse latched on to the ball, brought it down well and sent a shot rifling into the net to make it 2-0. For the rest of the half the game was evenly contested and the scoreline remained unchanged at the break.

The bulk of the second half was an enthralling midfield battle with neither defence being seriously troubled. Horley had most of the possession, but the Tonbridge back four was able to repel anything thrown at them. Towards the end of the match Horley tried to push on, and opportunities opened up for Invicta on the break. They missed three good chances to extend their lead.

Ultimately though, despite some late scares, the Kent side remained resilient and kept a clean sheet. It was a most pleasing way for them to end their league season and they must now sit and wait for other results to determine their final fate in the coming weeks.