17thaug04

There are no easy league matches, says Tonbridge boss Dolby

DAVE POWELL and Andy Larkin have both been added to the Tonbridge Angels squad for tonight's Ryman League Premier Division match at Northwood.

Angels manager Tony Dolby emphasised that the pair would give him more options for what he describes as 'a very tough match'. Dolby was under no illusions when he stated that every match in the Ryman League will be tough.

Dolby stated: "There are no easy matches in the League. Saturday (against Eastleigh) was an exceptionally tough match. They were strong, organised and experienced but I felt we did not take the most of our chances. 

"We came very close early in the second half and were caught by two breakaway goals. I thought we played well in some periods of the game and I felt 3-0 was a little unfair on us. 

"That said, we always knew that Eastleigh was going to be one of our hardest matches of the season and I expect them to be challenging at the end of the season".

Dolby reported no injury concerns ahead of tonight's game but said he was still talking to a number of players he hoped to bring  to Longmead, 

He added: " We do need to strengthen the squad and I am hopeful that the finances will allow me to do so soon".

Dolby stated that he was slightly disappointed with the attendance at Longmead on Saturday

He admitted:  "I thought there would be a few more, but maybe some of our supporters are still on holiday. 

"Players enjoy playing in front of big crowds and I believe our support has been a crucial factor in selling the club to players and we believe we play attractive football that people want to watch".

The attendance at Longmead on Saturday was 370. Last seasons average in the Doc Martens Southern League  was 525. The attendance was, however, the third highest in the Ryman Premier League behind Dover Athletic and Salisbury City.

Meanwhile, the club announced that they were very hopeful of concluding one significant sponsorship deal by the end of the week. 

Chairman Paul Dainty said that commercial manager Chris MacDonald had been in intensive discussions with a number of interested companies . 

The club has divided the Home and Away shirt sponsorship packages and has had some strong interest. 

The chairman stated: "We hope to have at least one deal concluded on one of the shirt sponsorships by the end of the week, nothing is at all certain but I am greatly encouraged by recent developments and the impact Chris is having in the commercial department".

The club is also looking to sponsor the stadium name in addition to other ventures

www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk

Send in your club's news to Stephen McCartney
Email:  stephen@mccartney2000.fsnet.co.uk

YOUR COMPANY NAME HERE -  Telephone 07979 418 360 for more details