Ticehurst took a dip back into league action this week with a narrow win over Ridgeway Reserves, resulting in a jump up the table from 4th to 2nd (albeit on Goal Difference)

With a few lads away, the squad saw the returns of Jason Marsh, Lem Kudjoe and Dave Chambers.

Ticehurst created chances in the early going and Mat Sanders came close to finally opening his account with Ticehurst, with his shot coming back off the bar.

The Village side took the deserved lead though, when Leon Fisher struck a powerful free kick into the roof of the net leaving the keeper and defender on the line, absolutely no chance. 1-0 (17m)

Ridgeway had still yet to even register an attempt at goal by the half hour mark but were boosted by a couple of bizarre refereeing decisions. First was a stone wall penalty shout which was waived away and then Ticehurst found themselves a man down. Joe Drury being the recipient of a 10 minute sin-bin in which referee Dave Hogan had summarized that Drury had verbally abused (The Ref’s words to me after the game) the official. Which he hadn’t.

Despite being a player short, Ticehurst remained calm and continued to play. Among the Re-shuffle Ben Evans and Mikey Morgan were linking up well and Mat Sanders created play alongside Darren Nicol.

Joe Drury’s time in the sin-bin was up and Ticehurst once again had 11 men. However; Ridgeway managed to score two quick goals, completely against the run of play to take a half time lead advantage. 1-2 (38m & 43m)

The home side’s response after kick off was excellent and found themselves level just two minutes into the second half. A huge throw by Mat Sanders on the right, was headed home by Jason Marsh, giving him his 5th of the season. 2-2 (47m)

However, Ridgeway took the lead for the second time just minutes later! 2-3 (52m)

In what was now becoming the standard, Ticehurst again, pulled one back. Ben Evans picked up his 3rd goal in two games to give Ticehurst an opportunity to turn things around. 3-3 (57m)

The game reached a stalemate for almost twenty-five minutes, with Ridgeway quite happy to time waste and sit back and play for point. This would allow Ticehurst more of the ball at their feet and that would come back to haunt the Tunbridge Wells outfit. A foul was given for a challenge on Mat Sanders and Leon Fisher stepped up to the occasion with another trademark free kick to secure a late winner and give him his 9th goal of the season. 4-3 (88m)

Overall, a sub-par performance against weak opposition. Another lead was thrown away and against a more disciplined, organised opponents, that may have been harder to overcome despite the quality at the club. The method of the goals being conceded must change as once again; Keeper Sam Beaney didn’t have a single save to make!

Up next is a huge Derby game against Hawkhurst and almost the entire squad is available, and players need to start upping their own individual efforts and start earning their spot.

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