Alan Dunne, manager of Tonbridge Angels, is looking forward to facing Torquay United, the National League South title favourites, in their first home game of the season. The match, set for Saturday at 3pm, is expected to draw a large crowd as both teams' supporters look to make their presence felt. Following a 4-0 victory over Braintree, Tonbridge is in high spirits, setting up a favorable start to the season.
Dunne acknowledges that the pressure is on Torquay to get out of the National League South, given their status as the division's biggest club. He believes that the upcoming match will be a different challenge, with a full house expected at Longmead. 'We can enjoy playing Torquay at home, coming off the back of three points, and we can go for it because we might as well,' Dunne stated.
However, the manager is aware that the match at Braintree should not have taken place due to the unsafe condition of the pitch. 'I don’t think the pitch was safe,' Dunne said. 'It was rock-hard. I addressed it with the referee before the game and said if a lad went up for a header and was to fall back on his head, it would be like hitting concrete and for that reason it’s not safe.' Despite the concerns, Tonbridge emerged victorious, with goals from Jephte Tanga, Lamar Reynolds, and Frankie Baker.
In other news, new Tonbridge skipper Sam Corne is still recovering from a grade two calf tear and is unlikely to return for the upcoming match against Torquay. However, vice-captain Jordon Thompson could make a return from a hamstring issue. 'Corney’s injury was four-to-eight weeks and he’s currently on week five, so we’re not far away,' Dunne explained. 'It’s looking more like Truro the following week.' Dunne praised Corne for his leadership qualities, stating that he signed the midfielder specifically for his captaincy experience.
Dunne remains focused on the club's target of staying in the National League South, despite the recent success. 'We’re still a small club, we need to stay in the league,' he said. 'I need to bring down expectations but I do feel like we’re in a better place than when I first joined last year for the squad.' Tonbridge Angels are also set to face Dover in a Kent derby match on Tuesday night (7.45pm).
