6thoct05

Thursday 06th October 2005

Angels will make it a day to remember, insists Dolby
EXCLUSIVE

Tonbridge Angels' player-manager Tony Dolby is confident his flying Ryman League Division One leaders can come away from Nationwide Conference North strugglers Worcester City with at least a draw - or even better a famous victory, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Kent side are one point clear at the top of the table and are more than capable of beating their opponents, which are two divisions higher.

Unbeaten Tonbridge were denied their 8th league win of the season at Molesey on Tuesday night, thanks to an 83rd minute equaliser which cancelled out striker Leroy Huggins' goal.

But the Angels have done it the hard way in the world's best cup competition, and are only 180 minutes - or two wins away - from the first round proper.

Dolby, however, who played at Walton Road, admitted he was only 75% fit due to a sore knee and a dead leg, has injury concerns over some of his key players.

John Beales (ankle), Steve Aris (broken nose), Danny Lye (Achilles) and Nick Barnes (shoulder) are likely to miss their biggest game of the season, but inspirational Dolby will battle on.

And his side have defeated Horsham (3-1), Hastings United (2-1 at home after drawing 3-3 in east Sussex), and who could forget their fantastic 3-2 defeat at big spending Fisher Athletic?

The Angels have proved they are capable of knocking out Worcester City to put more smiles on the 200 or so fans making the long trip.

In an EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk, Dolby said he was unhappy with their busy schedule.

"To be fair there are too many games for my liking," he said. "We've played every Tuesday for ages so we could have done without playing Molesey on Tuesday night.

"But we dug in, we've got lots of injuries, and they scored a late equaliser so it could have been different."

Everybody at the Betterview Longmead Stadium club are relishing their trip to St George's Lane - and Dolby is no different.

"We're playing some decent stuff at the moment and we are confident going into every game really," he said.

"Worcester are a big strong side, they always are, and they are two divisions higher, so I'm sure they are going to fancy themselves."

But does Dolby fancy his side pulling off a superb victory? He replied: "Yes, definitely - but a replay would be an ideal result."

Any replay will be played to a finish at the Betterview Longmead Stadium in Darenth Avenue on Tuesday, 11th October (7:45pm).

But if the away side performs at St George's Lane, the home faithful, who have seen their side collect seven points (1 win) from nine league games, either go quiet or turn against their side.

"It's quite an intimidating atmosphere at Worcester so we'll relax and enjoy the day and play our stuff," said Dolby.

"There is no pressure on us, it's all on them and with that in mind we are looking to get a result out of it.

"We've had one of the toughest games in the preliminary round against Horsham, then drawn away at Hastings, which is never going to be easy, and everybody knows what Fisher are about this season."

And Dolby demands noise from their travelling faithful. "Just the way they normally do. They've been fantastic since I've taken over so hopefully we can give them a day to remember."

Meanwhile, Worcester City officials remind fans that the game kick's off at 2pm. Admission prices are £9 (adults) and £5 (concessions) with transfer to the stand costing £1 extra. A full colour programme is on sale at £2.

The club and turnstiles will open at 11:45am and England's crucial World Cup qualifier will be shown in their clubhouse immediately after the FA Cup tie.

Worcester City v Tonbridge Angels
FA Cup Third Qualifying Round
Saturday 8th October 2005
Kick Off 2:00pm
at St George's Lane, Worcester