West Kent Football Round-up

Tonbridge Angels claimed a convincing 4–1 home victory over AFC Totton on Saturday, recording their first National League South win at the Yeomans Community Stadium since October in front of a large crowd boosted by the club’s Schools Partners Day.

The visitors made a competitive start, using their physical approach to apply early pressure, but it was Tonbridge who struck first on 27 minutes. A slick passing move between Tom Leahy and Frankie Baker ended with Marcus Sablier finishing from close range at the far post. Totton responded quickly, Ash Clarke firing low inside Laurence Shala’s near post just three minutes later to level the scores.

The second half belonged to the Angels. Five minutes after the restart, Baker scored his first senior goal with a composed finish after being sent through one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The introduction of Bunmi Babajide added pace and energy, shifting the momentum firmly in Tonbridge’s favour.

After Ricky Korboa had a goal ruled out for offside, he soon turned provider, setting up Babajide to power home from 12 yards, before scoring himself moments later with a precise finish into the far corner following a defence-splitting pass from Sablier.

Shala produced an excellent late save to deny Totton and secure a comfortable victory. Manager Alan Dunne praised his side’s resilience and progress, describing the performance as a deserved reward for recent efforts. The Angels will now look to carry this momentum into their upcoming fixtures.

Maidstone United began 2026 with a hard-fought 1–1 draw away at Torquay United in a dramatic National League South encounter that featured three red cards, a stunning free kick, and an end-to-end finish.

The Stones started brightly and almost took an early lead inside four minutes when Antony Papadopoulos was played through following a swift counter-attack, his low effort sliding narrowly wide of the far post. Torquay responded with pressure of their own, particularly down the flanks, but Maidstone defended resolutely, with Nathan Harness producing an important block to deny Dylan Morgan on the break.

Midway through the first half, Maidstone struck first through a moment of quality. Riley Court curled a superb free kick from 25 yards beyond James Hamon to give the travelling supporters a goal worth the journey. The lead lasted just six minutes, however, as Morgan capitalised on a loose ball in the box to fire home and level the scores.

The match shifted before half-time when David Sesay was shown a red card for an off-the-ball incident, leaving George Elokobi’s side with a demanding second half ahead. Despite being reduced to ten men, Maidstone remained organised and dangerous on the counter, with Court and Muhammadu Faal working tirelessly to relieve pressure.

Torquay dominated possession after the break, but Harness kept the Stones in the contest with a series of key interventions, including an excellent save from Jordan Young’s long-range free kick. The game took another dramatic turn late on when Torquay were reduced to nine men, Louis Dennis dismissed for violent conduct before Young received a second booking moments later.

In a frantic finale, Maidstone nearly snatched all three points. John Gilbert’s looping header drifted just wide, and substitute Hamzad Kargbo headed over from close range with almost the final touch of the game.

Despite the chaos, the Stones emerged with a deserved point from a demanding away fixture, showing resilience and discipline to start the year on solid footing.

Sevenoaks Town were forced to settle for a point after a hard-fought 1–1 draw with Margate at The Bourne Stadium, in front of a crowd of 255.

The visitors made the brighter start and took the lead on 18 minutes when Ben Greenhalgh found the net, giving Margate early momentum. Sevenoaks responded well, growing into the contest and levelling the scores midway through the first half. Jefferson Aibangbee struck on 22 minutes, finishing confidently to reward the hosts’ improved spell of pressure.

The remainder of the match was evenly balanced, with both sides battling for control in midfield and creating limited clear-cut chances. Sevenoaks goalkeeper Jordan Perrin led by example from the back, while Margate continued to threaten on the break without finding a decisive breakthrough.

As the game entered the final stages, substitutions on both sides disrupted the rhythm, and despite late pressure, neither team was able to find a winning goal. Sevenoaks pushed forward in the closing minutes but were unable to convert their opportunities.

In the end, the points were shared after a competitive encounter, leaving both sides with positives to take as the Isthmian League South East campaign continues.

Bearsted and Tunbridge Wells shared the points in an entertaining 2–2 draw at Otham Sports Ground, with late drama ensuring neither side left empty-handed.

The hosts took the lead on 33 minutes when James Bessey found the net to put Bearsted ahead at the break. Tunbridge Wells responded strongly after half-time, turning the game on its head with two goals in ten minutes. Deshon Carty levelled the scores on 51 minutes before Muiz Alaka fired the visitors into the lead just after the hour mark.

Bearsted pushed for an equaliser as the match wore on and were rewarded deep into stoppage time. Billy Lewins struck in the 92nd minute to rescue a point for the hosts, sending the home support into celebration.

In the end, honours were even after a competitive Southern Counties East League Premier Division contest, with both sides showing resilience to earn a share of the spoils in front of a crowd of 131.

Faversham Strike Force and Snodland Town played out an evenly contested 2–2 draw on Saturday afternoon, with both sides showing resilience to earn a point apiece.

The visitors made a flying start, scoring twice in the opening 13 minutes. Emmanuel Shoderu struck early before Dan Vaughan doubled Snodland’s advantage, putting the hosts under immediate pressure. Faversham responded well after the break, dominating the second half and pulling a goal back through Harry Taylor on 52 minutes.

Taylor proved decisive again midway through the half, completing his brace on 71 minutes to level the scores and reward Faversham’s sustained pressure. Despite late efforts from both teams, neither side could find a winning goal.

The match ended all square in front of a crowd of 82, with Faversham Strike Force recovering impressively from a difficult opening to secure a deserved share of the points.

Sutton Athletic and Larkfield & New Hythe shared the points in a lively 2–2 draw, with goals at key moments ensuring an even contest throughout.

The visitors made a strong start, taking the lead on 16 minutes through Tyler Ibe, who doubled his tally just before the break with a second goal on 43 minutes to put Larkfield & New Hythe firmly in control at half-time. Sutton responded well after the interval and reduced the deficit on 34 minutes when Namory Kane found the net, lifting the home side.

As the match wore on, Sutton pushed for an equaliser and were rewarded late on. Enoch Muwonge struck in the 83rd minute to level the scores and secure a share of the spoils.

In the end, neither side could find a winner, with the draw reflecting a competitive Southern Counties East League Premier Division encounter.