A strong Tonbridge team failed to perform conceding two goals from Lancing's celebrated long-throw and falling to a disappointing 3-1 defeat.

The OT's started well enjoying considerable possession and territorial dominance. Both Tennant’s and Elliott had half-chances before Lockwood fed Jamie Tennant in the channel. He expertly drew the keeper but a heavy touch took the ball towards the by-line. He kept possession and squared to Elliott who then crossed to Cook but his powerful header blazed inches over the bar. Tonbridge wondered how they had failed to score as Lancing delivered a double sucker punch.

On a big pitch in windy conditions they unleashed their long-throw weapon. Delivered with real pace and accuracy the tall Lancing striker glanced in with disappointing ease. Moments later a quick counter-attack saw the OT's exposed for pace and an exquisite finish saw Lancing miraculously 2-0 ahead. They had scored from both chances and a shocked Tonbridge lost both momentum and fluidity.

The second half saw few opportunities for either side. Lancing scored at the back-post from a long-throw flick-on before Tonbridge scored a well worked reply with Dickie T finishing Elliott's deep cross. Lancing deteriorated in the closing stages and with Tonbridge pressing a
come-back seemed a real possibility. Sadly some good defending saw Lancing hang on for three vital points.



In their debut season in the Premiership Tonbridge have had a succession of testing games. Every match is tough with all opposition teams enjoying considerable strength in depth. Despite competing effectively in almost every fixture there is a definite sense that results haven't done justice to some excellent performances.

Individual errors are invariably punished and the OT's entertaining and sometimes cavalier brand of attacking football has proved less conducive to victory against tactically aware and experienced opposition.

Nevertheless with lessons learnt the team should remain optimistic for the New Year. Only two teams are relegated and Old Cholmelians are struggling with fellow promoted team Bradfield yet to score a point. Furthermore, with six home games remaining against weaker opposition there is every chance of a move up the table.