Elder has every reason to smile

Tonbridge

Nathan Elder marked his return from a three-game suspension by scoring both goals as Tonbridge came from behind to win 2-1 at Folkestone in their FA Cup first qualifying round replay on Tuesday, writes Richard Harvey. And the big centre-forward couldn’t be happier to be back playing and scoring. Elder said: “I’ve hated watching the lads play without me. I just cannot stand sitting watching football, I never have done throughout my career. “It does my head in and I felt like climbing over the fence during the suspension – I was chomping at the bit to get out there. “When the gaffer told me I was back in the team straight away, I couldn’t wait to get out and repay his faith in me in the best possible way – scoring goals. I am so happy to be back playing.” Elder admitted Folkestone had made Tonbridge work hard for the win. He said: “They are a good side and they fought for everything. We really had to work hard to get the job done, especially after they took the lead just after half-time. “There was no doubt we knew we had been in a game at the end of it.” Elder headed home Nick Wheeler’s 69th-minute corner to equalise Ashley Miller’s 49th-minute opener before running on to Tom Phipp’s pass to hammer home the winner with 15 minutes remaining. The teams had drawn 1-1 at Longmead last Saturday. Angels are second in the Ryman League Premier Division and take their 11-game unbeaten run into tomorrow’s (Saturday) clash with third-placed Leiston at Longmead. They will lock horns again seven days later in the FA Cup second qualifying round at Leiston. Tonbridge were due to host Leatherhead on Tuesday but that game has been postponed as their opponents have a re-arranged FA Cup replay next week.