Weather and ref not on side of the Anangels Tonbridge v Norwich City

November 22, 1952 (FA Cup First Round)

For the third year in a row, Tonbridge found themselves in the first round of the FA Cup. Having pulled in more than 8,200 fans to the old Angel Ground for the previous year’s match against Aldershot, there had been hopes of attracting more than 10,000 for the visit of Division 3 (South) side Norwich City – this back in the era when huge crowds would flflock to non-leagugue matches. But miserable weather put many off and in the end ‘only’ 5,600 were there to watch a game which ended up 2-2. The replay took place a few days later where a controversial goal – which many thought was offside – denied the Angels a route to the second round. Since then, there has been precious little to delight fans when it comes to the cup. A first-round appearance in 1972 saw them tonked 5-0 by Charlton Athletic.