The OT’s again made the trip to Bradfield without joy.

Chris Hollins and Dan Mitchell were unexpectedly called into work late Saturday morning so the OT’s faced a good Bradfield team reduced to ten men. Sadly it cost us the game.

The OT’s played into a raging gale during the first period and repeatedly struggled to clear their lines with conviction. On the break Cook was cynically brought down by the opposing goalkeeper but for the second time this season the referee pointed to the spot only to change his mind in face of opposition protests. This was undoubtedly a red card offence but in the Arthurian league not even a yellow was shown. Bradfield subsequently claimed a 1-0 lead but the OT’s reached half-time confident of a comeback with the wind behind them.

Tonbridge proceeded to dominate territory and possession asserting themselves in the match. However, a moment of quality, or perhaps fortune, turned the game. A speculative long-range effort lobbed agonisingly over Will Cochrane in goal to give Bradfield a 2-0 lead. This soon became three as poor marking, communication and lack of pace combined to allow the Bradfield striker an easy finish.

Lockwood curled a free-kick over the wall into the top corner and the OT’s briefly dreamt of a comeback. Dickie T, alone up front, repeatedly came close beating his man without quite finding an end product. Guy Porritt made some crucial tackles battling a knee injury and Will Cochrane made a quality save to deny another. However, the wind disappeared and with Tonbridge pressing, Bradfield executed an excellent counter-attack too quick for the tiring, injured and out of position OT defence.

The OT’s persisted and Ed Hill won the ball for Lockwood to find Jamie Tennant overlapping down the left flank. JT turned at the by-line cutting inside his man and delivered a pinpoint cross for James Beveridge to head in at the far post for his debut goal. Lockwood fed an excellent Cook run moments later but his effort went just wide and the game finished 4-2.

Thanks to the three Gap Year students Ed Hill, Jamie Tennant and Jo O’Flynn who are soon off on their travels. They have been outstanding performers all year and the club will miss their services.