14thoct05

Friday 14th October 2005

Fully fit Angels target Trophy run

Following the disappointment of their 3-0 FA Cup exit at Worcester City last Saturday, Tonbridge Angels' player-boss Tony Dolby will have a full squad to choose from for the first time this season for tomorrow's FA Trophy first qualifying round tie against Southern Premier League outfit Cheshunt, writes Jez Durrant.

Tonbridge were without key players during their cup exit at St George's Lane although with a little fortune the result could have been different.

Dolby told the Kent and Sussex Courier Newspaper that the scoreline did not reflect the game, adding: "They deserved to win but 3-0 was a little harsh on us. We were going for it towards the end and conceded two late goals.

"Overall the cup has gone well for us this season. We have had five games in it - all with decent crowds and there has been some good revenue in it for us."

Tonbridge were back in action on Tuesday when a much changed side hosted Tooting & Mitcham United in the Westview (Ryman League) Cup.

Tonbridge were beaten 1-0 with the visitors scoring with a deflected free kick in the second half.

Despite the defeat Dolby said there was a lot to take from the game, adding: "I would have liked to have won but the simple facts are we have got so many games at the moment that we needed to rest some players while others needed a run out.

"We made seven changes from Saturday's side and I thought the players acquitted themselves well."

Dolby rested himself and was able to watch the game from the sidelines, which he said was an useful exercise, adding: "It was good to be able to watch the game from a difficult angle and we had a good chat with the boys before and at half-time."

While Tonbridge were in FA Cup action, Kent rivals Dover suffered their first defeat in the league meaning Tonbridge remain top of the Ryman League Division One table.

The club continues in cup action tomorrow when they host Cheshunt in the FA Trophy.

Dolby said he was hoping to have a fully fit squad to choose from for the first time this season, adding: "We have had a decent little break from the league but when we return we will be ready for it.

"However, we have the trophy first and we got through a few rounds last year and it would be good to do the same again.

"We are a strong side and a strong squad. I have not had a full squad to choose from for the whole season but should have for Saturday. Everyone is fit and all the key players are available."

Dolby has been looking at possibly bringing in a new player and said he was always looking to improve the squad.

He added: "I am always looking to strengthen and have no qualms about getting players in order to keep up the momentum.

"I have made a few inquiries but nothing has come off as yet. We are not in a particular rush and I need to keep everyone on their toes in the team."

Tonbridge Angles v Cheshunt
FA Trophy - First Qualifying Round
Saturday 15th October 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Betterview Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge