ANGELS DIG IN DEEP TO FRUSTRATE THE REBELS
THIS was the battle of the best home side against the worst away side in the division.
In the end, however, both clubs were happy to come away with a point and a clean sheet.
Slough had the better of the first half and both sides agreed there could be no complaints had the Rebels gone in a goal or two ahead.
Matt Lench had the first meaningful shot of the game after 19 minutes when he jinked his way past two defenders but his effort was saved comfortably by Jonathan Henly.
There followed a succession of low crosses from Slough into the Tonbridge six-yard box but no player in amber could get on the end of them. Max Worsfold, Dan Roberts and Matt Lench all found joy down the left-hand side but a resolute Angels defence were confident in blocking any shots.
The Rebels came close on many occasions but never got the telling touch to take the lead.
They were also forced into making two defensive changes by half-time, disrupting their flow.
The game opened up in the second half with Tonbridge becoming much more dangerous.
Francis Amartey came closest for Slough, waiting for his moment, but his left-footed effort curled the wrong side of the post.
Tonbridge had their best chance to take home the points just after the hour mark.
Following a low cross, Ben Greenhalgh had time to pick his spot but Sean Fraser did fantastically to throw himself in the way and deflect the ball out for a corner.
Slough joint-manager Neil Baker wasn’t too downhearted at failing to earn victory.
“We had problems squadwise and then having to make two changes by halftime, we were happy with a point,” he admitted.
“We could have nicked it and so could they. In the first half we were the better side and deserved to be in front but second half there wasn’t much in it.”
Tonbridge Angels assistant manager Barry Moore was happy to depart with a share of the spoils.
“We’re delighted, particularly after the first half,” he said. “During the break strong words were shared in the dressing room and second half it was even and both sides had chances.
“We are delighted to come to Slough who have been on a great run and get a point”
Following the match there was a sponsored head shave to raise money for mental health charity MIND.
Baker was one of those due to take part. “I’m not looking forward to it, I’m going to look a bit of an idiot for a while but it’s for a good cause,” he said.