A single, deflected goal was enough to send Salisbury away from the Longmead Stadium frustrated in their second defeat of the season.
Sean Shields deflected effort in the 12th minute, looping up and over Ryan Gosney, with Brian Dutton’s side unable to really test Toby Steward in the Tonbridge goal.
The home side got off to a fast start and controlled much of the ball without causing Salisbury too many problems and Ryan Gosney’s first real activity came when he picked the ball out of the back of the net.
It came after a sustained period of pressure from Tonbridge. Vincent’s cross from the left carried all the way to the back post, coming off the upright. It was quickly hooked back into the danger area, where Sean Shields‘ effort deflected off a Salisbury defender, up and over the wrong-footed Gosney and into the back of the net.
Tonbridge continued with the same intent, pressing Salisbury high and doubling up on the White’s creative players giving them no room to create.
Salisbury started to see more of the ball, but they were unable to put anything together in the final third, which caused Tonbridge too many problems. The half came to an end with the home side leading 1-0.
With no changes at the half, Salisbury again had plenty of the ball, and Tonbridge dropped off a little more than in the first half. Still, though, the away side were unable to cause too many problems.
Tonbridge were able to fashion a few half chances, but in the main, both sides cancelled each other out.
The game ended with Salisbury’s second defeat of the season, with Brian Dutton believing that too many of his side had an off day.
Up next for Salisbury is a home match against Chesham United at the Ray Mac on Tuesday evening. Kick-off is at 7:45 pm, and tickets are available online here – https://www.salisburyfc.co.uk/tickets/
