A severely depleted, bare Ticehurst side started their 2019/20 league campaign off with a 3-2 win over Tonbridge Origin. With no less than 12! players missing from the 24-man squad, it was always going to a challenge against a side who experienced a relatively successful pre-season. The Two sides met on the opening day last year, with the blues running out 6-2 winners that day and two more wins against the Tonbridge outfit would follow that season in the league and cup, respectively.

A bit of a back and forth in the opening 10-15 with both sides trying to create. Ticehurst’s best chance fell to Josh Munro but his drive was straight at the keeper. Origin started to carve and had several opportunities, mainly from set pieces and the blues were let off a couple of times. The deadlock was broken though when Leon Fisher struck an effort which was parried, and Oli Marsh was quick to follow up and make it 1-0 (21m)

Origin pressed and looked like they could grab an equaliser, but Ticehurst defended well. Dave Harvey leading the back line superbly.

Ticehurst’s task of remaining in front was made difficult when Josh Munro was sin binned just after 30 minutes. The team dug in and defensive work from Darren Nicol, Mat Sanders, Raul Rusu, Leon Fisher and Marsh – assisted the back four to see out the half.

With 11 men now back on the field for the second half following Munro’s reintroduction, a quick shuffle saw Darren Nicol take up the striker spot with Munro occupying midfield. The switch paid off immediately after just 25 seconds. A ball was played up and Raul Rusu combined with Nicol and the latter put away his chance. 2-0 (45m)

Just 3 minutes later, Ticehurst had the lead extended, when Terry Ede’s free kick was directed into the net by an Origin defender. 3-0 (48m)

In what should have been a time for Ticehurst to sharpen up and get the shape sorted, Origin found a way down their left flank and managed to squeeze the ball home to reduce the deficit. 3-1 (51m)

A precautionary change was made as Sam Beaney came off for Lem Kudjoe, with Oli Marsh helping out as full back. Origin pressed hard and looked to find a way in, but the defence were working overtime. The game continued to be scrappy with Ticehurst not really creating much more but also not displaying the passing game that had served them well in previous games. A knee injury to Josh Munro meant that Sam Beaney had to return to the game and another reshuffle was made to accommodate injuries.

Leon Fisher almost had a contender for goal of the season when his curling effort from distance bounced off the frame of the goal. This would be the blues’ only major chance on target for the remainder of the 2nd half as the whole team were forced to defend the lead.

Origin, as perhaps expected given the pressure, did manage to claw on back near the end to set up a nervy final couple of minutes but Ticehurst held on and secured the important 3 points.

Overall an extremely Gutsy, hardworking performance from the entire team in a very physical game, although a 3-0 lead was almost thrown away. Not the Blues’ best game as set pieces were wasted. Also, The fact that goals continue to be conceded late on is a major concern and something that could harm the club’s chances for Silverware However, the fight and determination shown by some of the team yesterday can not be ignored and should be the standard for all the lads in the squad.

Up next is an away trip to Paddock Wood, who make their return to the league following a season out. Ticehurst need to get back to playing their own decent passing game and with almost the entire squad available bar a few injuries, selections must be made with the Club’s overall targets in mind.

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