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Dainty hopes for a big crowd for Braintree bash

TONBRIDGE ANGELS chairman Paul Dainty has urged the club's supporters to turn out in force for Saturday's crucial FA Cup clash with fellow Ryman Premier Division club Braintree Town, writes Jez Durrant.

Dainty described the game as "massive" and called on Angels' fans to turn out in large numbers to get behind Tony Dolby's side.

He told the Kent & Sussex Courier: "This is probably the most important game we have had for a couple of years.  

"Our cup form in recent seasons has not been great but this could be a really great opportunity for us to go on to the first round proper of the cup.  

"That would be a big thing for the club to help raise the profile of the area."

Prestige is not the only thing at stake for tomorrow's game as the cup offers good financial incentives for club's to progress.

Dainty added: "The rewards from the cup could help to secure our finances for the season.  We are all very excited of the prospect of a good run in the FA Cup.  If we could get through this round and then perhaps pick up a home tie against a Conference club then who knows where we could end up.

"These are exciting times for the club and we must make the most of the opportunity."

Tonbridge warmed up for their cup date with a deserved 2-1 home win over Chelmsford City on Saturday.

After trailing 1-0 at half time, Tonbridge hit back with second half goals from Luke Piscina and Danny Lye to grab the three points.

Tonbridge will go into the Braintree Town clash without Danny Lye, who is suspended, and former Folkestone Invicta man Anthony Hogg, who has work commitments.

There will be a late fitness test for skipper Craig Roser, who missed the win over Chelmsford. Steve Searle picked up a slight hamstring injury but should be fit.  

Tonbridge have already had a goalless draw with Braintree in the league this season but player-manager Dolby said the result would have little bearing on tomorrow's game.

He added: "It is a massive game with financial rewards and prestige at stake.  The game earlier in the season will have no bearing whatsoever on the FA Cup tie.

"The winning side will be the one that turns up on the day wanting it that little bit more and who gets that little bit of luck.  Hopefully the luck will go our way."

Tonbridge Angels vs Braintree Town
FA Cup Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 2nd October 2004
Kick Off 3.00pm
at Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge