Eastleigh 2 Tonbridge Angels 0

EASTLEIGH completed the double over Tonbridge as the Angels made it 10 games without a win in the Ryman Premier Division.

Both goals followed possible fouls on Tonbridge players, but though the visitors were always in the game, Eastleigh looked as assured as their second place in the league would suggest.

Ryan Ashford opened the scoring in the 42nd minute after Jamie Turner had dropped a corner in a strong challenge. Turner continued his protests at half time as to why a foul was not awarded.

Tonbridge improved in the second half, Danny Lye and Luke Piscina forcing sharp saves from Wayne Shaw but there was no-one on hand with a follow up.

Shaw then tipped over a good effort from Anthony Hogg as Angels pressed for the equaliser.

Reserve team striker Jay May made an impressive debut as he replaced Steve Sodje early in the second half, showing some excellent touches and hustling defenders at every opportunity.

Sodje was carrying an ankle injury from the previous Saturday and will be assessed ahead of the visit of Northwood this week.

Eastleigh sealed the points in the final minute through Adam Lowther, although John Farley appeared to be pushed as he attempted to clear the ball in the build up.

Angels boss Tony Dolby admitted decisions were not going his side’s way but that they have the ability to help themselves.

Dolby said: “The referee said he didn’t see a foul on Jamie or John and we’ve been saying that a lot lately. But we were definitely always in the game and possibly slightly more dominant in the second half.

"They certainly weren’t much better than us. I wasn’t too happy with the first half performance and felt we had five or 10 per cent more to come in the second and it did.”

Dolby also responded to calls for more creativity from his midfield, who struggled to find the telling pass.

He said: “It’s probably a fair comment and it’s an area we’re looking to score more goals from. But creative midfielders/forwards are not cheap and with the budget here, that makes it difficult.”

*SEE FRIDAY'S KENT MESSENGER FOR MORE REACTION AND A PREVIEW OF ANGELS V NORTHWOOD.