Adam Hinshelwood and his players travel to Longmead Stadium this weekend with a spot in the Third Round of the Trophy at stake.
This is already the second meeting with tomorrow’s opponents this season, with the weekend’s hosts prevailing at Woodside Road back in September. A smart finish from Bobby Unwin was the difference, as we couldn’t recover after a poor start and fell to a narrow defeat.
However, there has been plenty of changes for both sides since that encounter, including a different manager and coaching staff in each technical areas. Hinshelwood returned to Worthing, while Tonbridge hired Alan Dunne following their decision to relive Craig Nelson of his duties, coincidentally after beating Worthing in an impressive away win.
Hinsh’s Reds enter the domestic cup competition off the back of six straight league victories. Last season, the Rebels registered their best performance in the competition in our history as we reached the last 16 before being knocked out by National League side Rochdale.. The road to Wembley starts tomorrow, as the winning momentum looks to continue.
Tomorrow’s tie is our designated ‘3 UP, 3 Down’ campaign, which represents the fight from the National League to increase the number of promotion places into the EFL, to make it equal in accordance with the rest of the national leagues in the pyramid. As a result of the campaign, the match will kick-off at 3:03pm to raise awareness for the campaign.
The Opposition
Tonbridge Angels have endured an inconsistent season thus far, although they have still proven to be a tough team to tackle.
During midweek, the Angels collected a point away to Bath City amidst treacherous conditions. That result saw them rise into 15th position, seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Their home form is a cause for concern, with only win at Longmead Stadium out of nine league matches this season. They also exited the FA Cup on home soil as they were beaten by seventh tier side Chatham Town in early October. Alan Dunne and his players will be hoping to change their fortune around by beating the Rebels and advancing into the next stage of the FA Trophy.
The Gaffer
Millwall legend Alan Dunne is in the infancy of his managerial career, with Tonbridge Angels being his first role in management.
However, the former defender is vastly experienced as a coach, having played an integral part in Bromley’s rise up the football pyramid. Dunne was employed as First-Team coach whilst he was still contracted as a player, before earning a promotion into the Assistant Manager role after his retirement. He quickly gained a reputation as one of Non-League’s sharpest tactical minds as Bromley earned promotion into the EFL before cementing their status over the last few years.
After seven years in South London, the 43-year-old took the brave plunge into management with the Angels. The right-back made over 300 appearances for Millwall in his playing days while also turning out for Leyton Orient and is now looking to implement his experience into a youthful Tonbridge outfit.
One to Watch
Marcus Sablier orchestrated proceedings the last time the two sides came to blows and he’ll be looking to emulate his last performance against the Reds come 3 o’clock tomorrow.
The 22-year-old has recorded three assists for the Angels this season and can punish teams with his ability to carry the ball comfortably in transitions and retain possession.
Sablier, who has French heritage, was one of several players to make the switch in the summer and follow manager Craig Nelson to Tonbridge from Lewes. Nelson has since been relieved of his duties and returned to the Dripping Pan, but Sablier has continued to feature under new manager Alan Dunne.
The attacking midfielder developed his skills at Bromley, but wasn’t able to force his way into the first-team. Loan spells at Cray Wanderers, Cheshunt and Bowers & Pitsea aided his acclimatisation to senior football.
View from the Camp – Adam Hinshelwood
“Something I haven’t really done in my time here is have a good FA Trophy run. We’re really keen to do so this season, but I’m sure Tonbridge are too.”
“Dunny is a really good guy and has done an unbelievable job assisting at Bromley. He’s got lots of know-how in Non-League and I’m sure it won’t be long until he gets things right there.”
Food and Drink
Gates open at 1pm with the Sports Bar and Marquee Bar open from the outset. The Tea Hut serves burgers, hot dogs, butties, hot and cold drinks and Fries Like An Angel, serving all your favourite loaded chips are also open from 1pm. The Pie Shack opens from 1.30 pm.
Tickets
Ticket Information has been released, with tickets available to purchase on Tonbridge Angels’ official club website. The match will not be segregated. Pricing is as follows:
Adults: £18.00
Concession/Over 65+ (Concession includes one disabled supporter and their carer): £15.00
Youth (12-17-year-old): £8.00
U12: Free
The link to the website where you can purchase the tickets can be accessed here.
Tickets will enable quicker access to the stadium. Cash/Card payments also welcome on the turnstiles which are open from 1.00pm.
HOW TO FOLLOW
If you can’t be at the game, you can follow the game via live updates from the club’s official X account.
You can also listen to live commentary via the club’s official commentary service.
