11.45am 31 October 2015
Arthur Dunn Cup, First Round
Old Tonbridgians 5 Old Epsomians 1 (att 11)
Having stayed overnight in Dartford following Friday night's game at Glebe FC, I was lucky enough to find a morning kick off just a short drive away, setting up the chance of an unexpected double.
The only catch was that I needed this cup tie to be settled in 90 minutes, as getting to another game, on another unvisited ground, would have been impossible after extra time.
A home win looked a safe bet though, with Old Tonbridgians top of the Arthurian League's Premier Division, and Old Epsomians in Division Three. The visitors started brightly, and for a time the gulf in status wasn't obvious, and even after they went behind they hit back to level thanks to a penalty.
Eventually, Old Tonbridgians became dominant, got back in front and a goal in the final seconds of the first half was their fourth of the match. They made it 5-1 in the opening minute of second period, after which the goals dried up as the home side were content to keep possession, while the visitors defended in numbers to avoid a complete hammering.
The Arthur Dunn Cup has a long history, dating back to 1903, and is open to old boys sides of English public schools. Since the 1960s the competing clubs have also had a league to play in, the Arthurian League.
Venues can be a lottery in old boys football, and many clubs have more than one home ground. Old Tonbridgians played this game, as they do most of their fixtures, on a 3G pitch at Wrotham School. The ground doubles at a home for Ide Hill FC, in the Kent County League.
Arthur Dunn Cup, First Round
Old Tonbridgians 5 Old Epsomians 1 (att 11)
Having stayed overnight in Dartford following Friday night's game at Glebe FC, I was lucky enough to find a morning kick off just a short drive away, setting up the chance of an unexpected double.
The only catch was that I needed this cup tie to be settled in 90 minutes, as getting to another game, on another unvisited ground, would have been impossible after extra time.
A home win looked a safe bet though, with Old Tonbridgians top of the Arthurian League's Premier Division, and Old Epsomians in Division Three. The visitors started brightly, and for a time the gulf in status wasn't obvious, and even after they went behind they hit back to level thanks to a penalty.
Eventually, Old Tonbridgians became dominant, got back in front and a goal in the final seconds of the first half was their fourth of the match. They made it 5-1 in the opening minute of second period, after which the goals dried up as the home side were content to keep possession, while the visitors defended in numbers to avoid a complete hammering.
The Arthur Dunn Cup has a long history, dating back to 1903, and is open to old boys sides of English public schools. Since the 1960s the competing clubs have also had a league to play in, the Arthurian League.
Venues can be a lottery in old boys football, and many clubs have more than one home ground. Old Tonbridgians played this game, as they do most of their fixtures, on a 3G pitch at Wrotham School. The ground doubles at a home for Ide Hill FC, in the Kent County League.
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