Tonbridge Angels’ unbeaten run came to a crashing halt yesterday at Arbour Park, where they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Slough Town. In a closely contested match that hinged on set pieces, two well-taken goals from corners and a stoppage-time third gave Slough a flattering scoreline. The loss didn’t just end Tonbridge’s impressive streak—it ignited a storm of reactions across social media, with rival fans quick to pounce on the Angels’ first stumble of the season.
After an impressive start to the campaign, where Tonbridge remained unbeaten in their first 11 matches, this defeat opened the floodgates for criticism. Opponents’ fans were quick to celebrate the Angels’ downfall, while a few congratulated Slough on their performance.
Here are some of the reactions from rival fans that flooded social media after the game:
“Finally, the unbeaten streak is over! Knew it was just a matter of time before Tonbridge slipped up!”
This comment echoed the sentiments of many fans who had been waiting for Tonbridge to falter after their strong start to the season.
“Slough dominated today! Their defense was solid, and those set pieces were unstoppable. Well deserved win for the Rebels!”
Amidst the mockery, some fans acknowledged Slough’s excellent display, particularly their defensive resilience and effectiveness in set pieces.
“Looks like reality finally hit them. They’ve been getting lucky so far, but not today!”
A common theme in the responses was the suggestion that Tonbridge’s early season form was due to luck rather than genuine quality.
“That second goal was class! Tonbridge couldn’t handle Slough’s aerial game. Easy win!”
Here, another fan praised Slough’s superiority in the air, particularly when it came to their set-piece execution, which left Tonbridge’s defense exposed.
“Well done, Slough! You boys were relentless today. Deserved all three points!”
Despite the negativity aimed at Tonbridge, some fans made sure to give credit to Slough for their relentless approach, especially in taking their chances when it mattered.
“Guess Tonbridge isn’t as invincible as they thought. Crumbled under pressure!”
This fan’s comment reflected a broader view that Tonbridge had cracked under pressure, proving they were not as indestructible as their unbeaten run had suggested.
“Credit to Slough, they took their chances well and punished Tonbridge. This could be the start of their downfall.”
While acknowledging Slough’s performance, some fans speculated that this loss could mark the beginning of a rough patch for Tonbridge.
The match itself was a tight affair, with few clear-cut chances for either side in the first half. Slough capitalized on a late first-half corner when Dan Bayliss rose to head home, putting the Rebels ahead at halftime. Tonbridge looked promising in patches, particularly with Sean Shields and Liam Vincent combining well on the left, but their final product was lacking.
The second half saw drama early on when Slough player-manager Scott Davies was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card after a heavy challenge on Noel Leighton. Shortly afterward, Tonbridge equalized through Liam Vincent, who powered a free kick through the wall to level the score at 1-1. However, the joy was short-lived, as Bayliss found the back of the net again just minutes later, this time with a volley following another cross into the box.
The final moments of the game were filled with frustration for Tonbridge. A clear handball shout in Slough’s box was waved away by the referee, and Crossley Lema was shown a red card after retaliating to a foul from John Gilbert. Slough then capitalized on a defensive error in added time, with Sam Evans scoring a third to seal the victory.
Tonbridge manager Jay Saunders expressed his disappointment with the defensive lapses that led to Slough’s two set-piece goals. “The two set pieces were disappointing. I don’t think we did enough to win the game. There wasn’t bundles in the game, but they took their opportunities when they got them,” Saunders said post-match.
Despite the setback, Saunders remains confident in his team’s ability to bounce back. “We’ve been on a good run. We can’t feel sorry for ourselves, we just have to pick ourselves up and prepare for next week.”
With the first defeat of the season now in the books, rival fans are unlikely to let the Angels forget it anytime soon. The social media frenzy surrounding the loss suggests that Tonbridge’s stumble has given critics fresh ammunition, and their next fixture will be crucial in proving whether they can maintain their early season form.
