Tonbridge Angels 1 Walton & Hersham 1

WALTON & Hersham grabbed a replay in the FA Trophy third round after Tonbridge failed to capitalise on their chances to seal the tie having led since the 11th minute.

After a lacklustre start, the first real incident in the match brought a penalty for the Angels as Anthony Hogg’s goal-bound shot struck the arm of Sean Thurgood.

Player-boss Tony Dolby stepped up to take the kick and, after some disrupting tactics by some Walton players, calmly fired the ball into the bottom left hand corner.

Against a team from Ryman League Division One, Tonbridge may have expected to go on to dominate the match from this position.

But Walton showed why they are challenging for promotion, possibly to swap places with Tonbridge in the Premier Division, by keeping Jamie Turner busy throughout the remainder of the half.

From Carl Gibbs' cross, Mark Nwokeji should have scored from two yards as Turner flapped at the ball, possibly due to the dipping sun.

Thurgood hit the side netting, while John Farley made two excellent challenges to quell further attacks.

For Tonbridge, Jay May was having an outstanding game partnering Luke Piscina in attack on his first start for the club. May and Piscina linked up beautifully on several occasions but Nick Gindre in the Walton goal was equal to the task.

At the start of the second half, Tonbridge launched attacks from all areas but could not find the killer second goal.

Jon Beales saw a left foot drive headed away by Adam Thompson, Danny Lye crossed for Anthony Hogg to flick a header wide, while May and Piscina combined to deliver a cross that Cass headed just over.

The best chance came on the break when Cass fed Piscina on the right, who drew the defence before sliding the ball back into the middle.

With Cass and Hogg seemingly lining up to steer the ball home, neither took responsibility and Gindre was able to smother.

Tonbridge were punished for their profligate finishing when, from virtually their first attack of the half with just nine minutes remaining, Wes Goggin was hauled back in the area by sub Gareth Street.

For the second time, referee Crouch had no hesitation in awarding the penalty and Lee Riddell provided a replay of Dolby's kick to draw his side level.

Neither side were able to carve out any further chances but Angels' fans were given something to cheer when Patrick Blackman emerged from the bench for the final five minutes.

Blackman has not figured in the squad since October 5th last year due to a hamstring injury but his return, along with the promising display of May, will give Dolby plenty of attacking options for the rest of the campaign.