We will both beat the drop, insists Walker - EXCLUSIVE

ALAN WALKER is relishing the big local derby atmosphere when he takes his Maidstone United side to Tonbridge Angels on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Stones go into the Betterview Longmead Stadium clash aiming to do the double over the Angels, having won 2-1 at Bourne Park in September.

Despite both sets of fans’ exchanging banter on internet fans’ forums this week, there is a mutual respect between everybody else.

“There’s nothing better in football than local derbies and there’s added spice as I’ve managed both clubs, been successful at both clubs and a few players who have represented both clubs,” said Walker, when speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

A four-figure crowd is expected to flock through the turnstiles to see the two west Kent giants lock horns.

And Walker said: “Both sets of fans are great sets of fans and I would hope for the fans it (the game) explodes into life and provides a great spectacle for them.”

With both west Kent clubs looking at both ends of the table, Walker believes they will both be playing each other in the Ryman Premier League again next season.

“I don’t expect either club to go down,” he said. “I don’t know where we’ll finish, I don’t expect Maidstone United or Tonbridge will go down.

“Both clubs have too much to do that. If you look at it, Leyton are certain to go down.

“Every team has had a bad run, we had ours at the beginning of the season.

“Tonbridge have had a bad run but they’ve had some great results as well, like us.”

Defender Chris Smalling, 18, who plays for Premier League club Middlesbrough against Sunderland next week, whilst on trial, has made himself available against the Angels.

Striker Mo Takaloo returns from suspension but midfielder Sam Tydeman is unavailable as he’s attending a family wedding.

James Peacock, meanwhile, serves a one-match ban.

COVERAGE

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game on Saturday.

Listen to Matt Gerrard on BBC Radio Kent 96.7fm or via their website at www.bbc.co.uk/kent for regular updates.

Visit club websites:

www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk

www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

Tonbridge Angels v Maidstone United
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 23^rd February 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Betterview Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3JW