Angels: 1

Kingstonian: 0

TONBRIDGE Angels did something they haven't managed to achieve since November 17 against Kingstonian on Saturday – win back-to-back league games.

Paul Booth's superb 30-yard strike secured Tommy Warrilow's side the victory over second placed Kingstonian in an incident packed match at the Longmead.

The visitors had Lee Hall sent off for a challenge on Lee Minshull and Luke Hickie also received his marching orders after the final whistle, as the game simmered throughout the 90 minutes, probably due to referee Oleksanr Saily's somewhat lenient display.

Angels could have made the game safe, but found Rob Tolfrey in fine form and, although there were some nervy moments towards the end, the home side held on for a deserved win.

"I was delighted to get the three points and pleased with the performance, the lads worked their socks off for the whole 90 minutes," Warrilow said.

"In the first 25 minutes, the referee let a lot of stuff go and it came back to haunt him later in the game.

"They are a good outfit, sitting high in the league so to get the win was very pleasing.

"That is now three wins in the last four matches and hopefully we can now push up the table. I am getting players back now (Anthony Storey and Jon Heath have recently returned from injury) and we have some new faces, which gives us a stronger looking bench.

"We played some good stuff on Saturday and it was a real heart on sleeves performance, which is all you can ask for as a bare minimum from a footballer. We could have won by three or four, to send out a message to the other teams in the league, but I am just happy to get the win."

Warrilow praised the defensive unit, Booth for his strike and Meshach Nugent, who battled with Francis Duku throughout the match.

Angels made just one change for the match with Scott Kinch replacing Sam Long. This proved to be an inspired move from Warrilow as Kinch was simply outstanding, winning nearly every header, tackle and using the ball intelligently when he got possession.

Jerahl Hughes, full of confidence after his goal against Carshalton last weekend, gave right-back Hall a torrid time in the first half and the majority of Angels' best play came from the diminutive winger.

However, the only goal of the game came from the classy Booth, who picked up the ball after Nugent had flicked on and unleashed an unstoppable rapier-like drive past Tolfrey.

Kingstonian's best chances fell to midfielder Simon Huckle, who was perhaps lucky to escape without a caution when he went head-to-head with Minshull. The Angels midfielder was also fortunate not to be cautioned for his part towards the end of the half.

First, his 16th minute shot was pushed behind by Lee Worgan and then he shot over after Bobby Traynor's effort was repelled by Angels' goalkeeper.

On the stroke of half-time, Huckle struck the woodwork as opening period came to an end, probably just as well with tempers beginning to fray.

The second half took a long time to get going, but Kingstonian should have levelled in the 61st minute.

A corner wasn't dealt with properly by the Angels defence and substitute John Fletcher had the goal at his mercy, three-yards out. Amazingly, the defender spooned his shot over the bar.

Moments later, Hall was given a straight red for a crude challenge on Minshull, which left the midfielder with stud marks down the back of his leg.

The game opened up after the sending off and Traynor shot wide when the ball fell to him in the area and substitute Adam Burchell, on for Hughes, was thwarted by Tolfrey, after Nugent played him in.

Minshull really should have wrapped up the game in the 86th minute when Jamie Cade's sumptuous pass found the midfielder, but he shot straight at Tolfrey, who saved well.

Anthony Storey, tireless in the midfield, stung Tolfrey's palms and Burchell should have scored when clean through, but the Kingstonian keeper managed to dive on the ball when the striker attempted to round him.

Kingstonian's miserable afternoon was complete when Hickie was shown a red card after the final whistle for something he said to referee Saily, but the day belonged to Angels as they celebrated doing the double over the visitors.