We must rise to the occasion - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Monday 15th January 2007

Tonbridge Angels’ manager Tony Dolby has told his players to “rise to the occasion” when they lock horns with Bromley on Tuesday night, writes Stephen McCartney.

Bromley arrive at the Betterview Longmead Stadium in high spirits, having defeated leaders Chelmsford City 2-1 at Hayes Lane on Saturday.

But Margate leapfrogged over the Essex side after Robin Trott’s side defeated Worthing 2-1 courtesy of goals from James Pinnock and Danny Hockton at Hartsdown Park.

Bromley can join the pair on 47 points with a win at their Kent rivals – but Dolby has other ideas.

“I’m expecting us to rise to the occasion,” he said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk on the eve of the big Kent derby.

“I’m sure it will be a tough game, Bromley like to play, as do we.

“They’re on the back of a very good result Saturday, and we’re on some decent form of our own.”

The Angels, currently tenth in the table, can climb into the last play-off berth, if they win tomorrow night and Saturday’s opponents, Billericay Town, don’t win at Worthing tomorrow night.

But Dolby believes his side can claim a play-off finish, if he has a full squad at his disposal.

Influential midfielder, Scott Kinch (broken ankle) and Jon Heath (cartlidge) are the only absentees tomorrow.

He said: “I certainly do believe that (we can reach the play-offs), with our full squad fit.

“But it’s all about consistency really when you are aiming for the top four, five or six and at the moment with four wins out of five that’s exactly what we are.”

But Dolby revealed some good news about former Tooting & Mitcham United midfielder, Kinch.

“He’s plaster should be coming off on Wednesday,” he said.

The Longmead faithful can also look forward to mouth-watering visits from Billericay Town (Saturday) and Chelmsford City.

“I’m delighted to be where we are,” said Dolby. “I think we will get stronger and stronger.”

But Dolby will be seeking revenge against a Billericay Town side that won 3-0 last month.

The Angels squandered good first half chances before Nathan Elder, now at Brighton & Hove Albion, netted a quick-fire brace in the flattering 3-0 win at the New Lodge.

"We played very well in the first half up their place and should have won the game,” recalled Dolby.

“We should have won the game but they came out very quick in the second half and scored two early goals and they’re another side in form.”

Tonbridge Angels v Bromley
Ryman Premier League
Tuesday 16^th January 2007
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Betterview Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge