‘Abysmal’ first 30 minutes doesn’t stop lucky Boro’s winning streak
FARNBOROUGH secured three points on Easter Monday by beating Tonbridge Angels 2-1 away in the National League South.
Playing on the 3G pitch at The Halcyon Wealth Longmead Stadium, the hosts took an 18th minute lead through striker Nathan Odokonyero, who swivelled and finished well from close range after Jamie Fielding’s flick on from a short corner.
But Boro’s star man of recent weeks drew them level on 51 minutes. Attacking midfielder Joe Haigh – fresh from signing a contract last week – cut inside and unleashed a left-footed strike that nestled into the far corner.
Spurred on by their equaliser, Farnborough went in search of a winner and found it just before the 70th minute. Midfielder Olly Pendlebury smashed a free kick into the net, via the hands of Angels goalkeeper Jonathan Henly, to complete a second half turnaround.
The Yellows had to rely on experienced winger Ricky Holmes to make a late goal-line clearance to preserve the lead and seal the result, which saw Boro make it seven consecutive wins in the Vanarama National League South.
Farnborough manager Spencer Day said: “Obviously, I’m ecstatic with the result. I don’t want to take anything away from this fantastic group.
“Did we play to our usual standards? No.
Did we get some luck? Yes. Will we need to be better? Yes.
“It’s a lesson, but at this stage of the season it’s the result that counts. Seven straight wins. One defeat in 13. We’re on a great run.
“We got a little bit of luck and didn’t play anywhere near our best, which is a great sign. We weren’t ourselves. I hope we learn the lessons of today.
“We show character. In the first 30 minutes, we were abysmal. People didn’t do the jobs that they’d been given. They caused us a lot of problems, quite frankly.
“I thought the last 15-20 minutes of the first half, when we made it very clear about the jobs they were meant to be doing, Tonbridge didn’t have another chance.
“So when they do their jobs – with all the work that goes on behind the scenes – it was more even.
“Obviously, we say there’s a stonewall penalty for Joe [Haigh] in the first half. Absolute stonewall penalty... and I think that’s probably what saves us, because it looks like there’s a stonewall penalty against us in the second half.
“I think the referee’s probably evened it up. Two, arguably, penalty decisions that they’ll say changed the game because before you know it, we’re two-one up.
“The character is amazing. Bodies on the line. Ricky [Holmes] clearing them off the line.
“Let’s also give Tonbridge a lot of credit. They didn’t have anything to play for; they still put out a very, very, pacey competitive side. They’ve won their last three at home here.
“There are no easy games. I think we’ve got to take this as a lesson. Ecstatic with the three points. We’ll need to play a lot better and move on to what can only be described as an absolutely massive game coming up this Saturday.
“We desperately need the fans to turn up. We need their vocal support. To be playing Maidstone is an exciting game at the best of times. We’ve got a great home record and it’s a really exciting time for the club.” ■■Meanwhile, Farnborough have announced attacking midfielder Joe Haigh has signed a contract until the end of the 2024/25 season, and it is two in and one out as Ronan Silva and Marco Haigh have joined Boro, while striker Harvey Bradbury departs for Chatham Town.