Southern Counties East League Premier Division
Culverden Stadium, Tunbridge Wells
Admission: £8.00
Programme: £2.00
Attendance: 300
I had intended for this to be my second game of this midweek, having pencilled in a visit to Peacehaven & Telscombe for the Tuesday evening. However, persistent rain falling as afternoon became evening, as well as decidedly chilly conditions, persuaded me to "save myself" for this fixture, for my first visit to the Culverden Stadium since August 2018.
Since my last visit, there have been some alterations and improvements, some inevitably as a result of Covid considerations. Entry to the ground was probably in the most Covid-safe fashion I have encountered. A path is led to the turnstile block, just before which one person provided the NHS Track and Trace QR code, another person took temperatures, and with plenty of hand sanitiser dispensers available around the entrance. The clubhouse, located next to the turnstile block, is currently being used the home dressing rooms, with refreshments and beer now available from a converted container unit, installed behind the uncovered terrace steps behind the goal closest to the entrance. The remainder of the ground remains the same as before, although certainly looking smart and tidy. Happily, Tunbridge Wells continue to produce paper programmes, and a decent one at that, 32 pages in colour and on glossy paper, and containing plenty of interesting articles and the necessary stats and facts.
In a strong looking division, Tunbridge Wells have made a good start to the season, unbeaten in their opening seven league games following five wins and two draws. K Sports have had a slower start to their season, winning one and drawing three of their seven league games. Tonight would be the second time the two clubs have met this season, with K Sports winning 2-1 at home. Indeed, that was their last win in four in all competitions, and their only league victory came on the opening day of the season.
On a dry evening, cooled down by a breeze with a chilly edge to it, this was an even match in the opening stages, with the early half chances falling to the visitors, but gradually Tunbridge Wells asserted their authority on the game, with their crisp passing and creativity down the wings causing the visitors increasing problems. And on 29 minutes, the home side took the lead. After a shot following a corner was saved by the keeper, and then the ball was floated into the box, for Cornwell to head home from close range and despite loud appeals for offside - the linesman did not seem completely sure himself - the goal was given. K Sports had a great chance to equalise within a couple of minutes, when Ben White headed beyond the far post from a great position. And on 38 minutes, the hosts doubled their lead, Jordan Wells receiving a throw in before dribbling along the byline, beating a defender before crossing low to Euan Sahadow, who drilled the ball low through a crowd of players and into the bottom right corner. Tunbridge Wells finished the half really strongly, and probably should have scored two or three more by half time, as the visitors were no doubt to get back in the changing rooms and regroup.
And indeed, they came out much improved after the break, showing a little more ambition following a change in formation. But they struggled to really threaten, and with Tunbridge Wells seeming to do just enough to see the game out, the second half was much less entertaining than the first, although a goal for K Sports may well have kicked the game back into life. The home side also had some half chances, but in the end their two first half goals were enough to seal the three points, and lift Tunbridge Wells up to second place in the table
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