19thmar04

Ashford short of numbers for trip to Tonbridge

Meanwhile, Angels make changes at boardroom level

Ashford Town manager Tim Thorogood says injuries may have ruined his side's hope of a top seven spot.

Ashford travel to Tonbridge Angels, with Thorogood again denied the chance to field his first choice line-up.

"Our aim is to finish in the top seven, and we started really well before injuries took their toll." he said.  "I've been here four years - and can only recall two occasions when I've been able to field an unchanged side.

"But we have done quite well against some of the top sides and I'm hoping that will be the case against the Angels," he told Friday's Non League Paper.

Meanwhile, Tonbridge Angels manager Tony Dolby, told Friday's Courier Newspapers: "I don't want to exert any extra pressure on the boys but it is a must win game.  End of story.

"Hopefully the players can relax and play their normal game and we will go out and give them a real thumping."

Dave Powell is the only injury doubt for Tonbridge.

Tonbridge Angels chairman Paul Dainty announced more boardroom changes this week.  It is proposed at the end of the season that Dainty will assume the role of vice-chairman and concentrating on first team matters.

Paul Kelly will take the chairman's role focusing on commercial and fundraising matters.  Alan Burns will come in as director of football development.

This role will co-ordinate all football at the club below the first team.

Burns, who runs his own football coaching school, and has been working with the Angels under eighteen side, said: "This is an exciting opportunity to make Tonbridge Angels the only club in the area for junior and senior players.  We want to assist the first team by getting the best available young talent."

Tonbridge Angels  vs  Ashford Town, Saturday 20 March 2004, 3pm at Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Dr Martens League Eastern Division

(Special thanks to Friday's edition of the Non League Paper and Courier Newspapers for the above articles)