Going into this game, BORO’ would be facing a team located in the National League South, Tonbridge Angels. The Kent side has a number of recognisable faces such as former Pompey man Liam Vincent and the brother of AC Milan striker Tammy Abraham, Timmy Abraham.

It was the visitors’ with the first opportunity. Fielding making space for himself tested new keeper Callum Ward in goal (Who has recently signed on a temporary loan). As the striker directed a header straight into the gloves of the loanee.

To be honest the rest of the first half lacked any real quality in the final third and resulted with a a lack of shots from either of the two sides with it finishing at the break:

Half-Time: Gosport 0-0 Tonbridge Angels

Ironically the start to the second half had more action than the whole of the first half. Lema two minutes into the half strode down the BORO’ half before releasing a shot over the bar.

Ten minutes onwards a mistake at the back from Tonbridge allowed for Alfie Stanley to steal the ball. Netting in his last two games, the striker came extremely close to breaking the deadlock, with the post standing in the way.

Keeper Callum Ward heavily played his part in this half, acting as a brick wall. With shots constantly being saved and crosses being gathered. Hanson and Robinson often causing the most trouble for Ward.

Thanks to this excellent defending, it granted the hosts a chance to construct a late attack. Following a successful mid-block, possession was won inside the centre circle. Streaming forward in numbers a ball was worked onto substitute Samuel Faniyan. Driving a ball into the far corner it forced a brilliant save from Rowley after diving to his right. With the power from the shot it meant the keeper could not hold onto the ball, seeing the reflection fall to substitute Jake Cope who calmly tapped in from close-range to grab a late goal.

The Angels had a great chance to get onto level terms deep into stoppage time when Wagstaff whipped in a ball against the face of goal. The cross ended up evading every player in a heart-in-mouth moment for the BORO’ fans around the stadium. With this the full time whistle shortly followed with it finishing:

Full-Time: Gosport 1-0 Tonbridge Angels

Although it probably won’t go down for a classic in entertainment value, I’m sure the result will live long in the memory of Gosport fans. This is the second time we’ve beaten a higher opposition team and the furthest we’ve progressed in the FA Trophy in ten years. Up next we return to league action when we take on Chertsey next week, so we’ll see you then. But final words from me: UP THE BORO!!!

Gosport Starting XI
Ward, Kavanagh, Morrison, Wassmer, Walsh-Smith, Agbeseyi, Hollands, Yearwood, Lee, Stanley, Wooden

Subs: Faniyan, Cope, Greenfield, Smith, Murray

Pictures by Jack Aldridge