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Testing times at Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells 0-2 Erith Town
Go Travel Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 11 October 2003

A lively start from the Wells flattered to deceive as they slumped to another home defeat at Culverden on Saturday.
The home team forced a succession of corners before the visitors got going, but despite the territorial advantage, could not nudge themselves in front. Missing the dangerous delivery of Wayne Balmer and the predatory instinct of Steve Gibbons, who has transferred to Herne Bay, Wells lacked firepower.

The most impressive players for the Wells were Pete Marchant, who worked hard up and down the right flack, and Adrian Hatcher who was committed as ever in the centre of defence, and who also saw a couple of headers at Erith's goal go close.

Erith scored their first without having to fully assert themselves on the game. A couple of minutes earlier, the ball had been deflected onto the Wells post, but there was no saving the struggling outfit when a firm drive found its way into the back of the net via the boot of Glen McTaggart on 32 minutes.

From the start of the second period, Wells vociferous supporters were made to watch an unanswered spell of attacking play from the visitors. It must be remembered that the Culverden Club has enjoyed hauls of 6, 5 and 5 goals in their last three meetings. But the next number in the sequence was destined to be a round zero, with Erith firmly in control after an aerobatic finish from Springett on 6o minutes.

These are testing times at Culverden. His desire to work with an inherited squad has been tested by recent departures, and Kevin Metcalf will need the loyalty of players and supporters if he is to turn things around.

The next match will pose a monumental challenge when Champions, Cray Wanderers, visit Culverden on Wednesday 22nd October, Kick-off: 7:45pm