9thsept05

Friday 09th September 2005

We don't fear Hastings, insists Dolby

Tonbridge Angels enter the first qualifying round of the FA Cup tomorrow in confident mood after an impressive away display against Dulwich Hamlet, which netted them three points with a 3-1 win.

Two goals from new striker Warren Haughton and a free-kick from player-boss Tony Dolby wrapped up the win and the side will look to continue that form into tomorrow's trip to fellow Ryman League Division One rivals Hastings United.

The result keeps them in third place as Cray Wanderers and Dover Athletic also won.

Speaking after Saturday's win, Dolby said the display was the best of the season so far.

He told the Kent and Sussex Courier Newspaper: "We played some good stuff. It was an important victory and not many teams will come away from there with three points this season."

Tonbridge were struggling with a few injuries before the game with Nick Barnes missing and Jay May, Jon Heath and Tim Hambley all carrying knocks.

Goalkeeper Jerome John returned to the starting line-up but was forced to go off injured in the second half and will miss their trip down the A21.

Barnes is likely to be out for three weeks with his dislocated shoulder and Heath will see a specialist about his knee.

Dolby said: "Injuries happen but we have got a little bit of depth in the squad at the moment.

"We are playing well and fear no-one in our league and will hope to go to Hastings and come away with a win.

"We have won both our away games this season and have been averaging more than two goals a game."

Angels' beat Ryman League second division side Clapton at the Betterview Stadium in midweek.

The East Londoners had taken the lead after just 24 seconds but goals from Phil Cramp (42 minutes), Darren Smith (77) and Dolby (89) sent the Angels' through, where they'll host Tooting & Mitcham United.

Hastings United v Tonbridge Angels
FA Cup First Qualifying Round
Saturday 10th September 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at The Pilot Field, Elphinstone Road, Hastings, East Sussex