Dolby forced to delve into reserves - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Tonbridge Angels player/manager Tony Dolby has been forced to play fringe players and reserves in their Westview Cup third round tie against Dartford tomorrow night, writes Stephen McCartney.

Key players Scott Gooding (calf), Robert Kember (back), Alex O’Brien (calf) and leading scorer Jon Main (thigh) are not fit enough to play against the highflying division one south side.

But Dolby faces a race against time to get them fit for next Saturday’s trip to Southern Premier League strugglers Cheshunt as the club aim to reach the fourth and final qualifying round for the first time in 15 years.

Speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk on the eve of the game, Dolby said: “I’ve got a few injuries after a few tough games of late and an important cup game at the weekend so I’ll evaluate the situation, call in a few reserves,”

“Obviously I’d like to win the game, it’s no an issue, but unfortunately the timing of its not great.”

Players that have been warming the bench in recent matches, Drew Watkins, Mike Cramp, Jon Heath and Adam O’Neill are expected to start against the Darts and reserve team players Ben Rainbow, John Sinclair, Sim Johnson, Adam Shade, Ian Parkes, Mannie Neville and Danny Powell could stake their claim if selected.

But reserve team goalkeeper Matt Bromby, whose returned to the club following a spell at Hastings United, is suffering with a hamstring injury.

“They won’t all be playing but there are a few of them that will be involved in one shape or form,” revealed Dolby.

All eyes at the Betterview Longmead Stadium are concentrating on their FA Cup third qualifying round tie at Cheshunt.

“Saturday is massive for us,” said Dolby. “To have an opportunity to get into the fourth qualifying round for financial (reasons) and exposure wise is massive for us.

“We played them last year in the FA Trophy and they haven’t had a great start to the league.

“It’s the FA Cup third qualifying round so a lot goes out the window.”

Dolby, who revealed he won’t be starting against the Darts, is expecting a tough game, having watched the Darts lose 3-2 to Dulwich Hamlet recently.

“They have good players and it will be a good test,” he said.

Ryman League officials cannot have any complaints if Dolby plays a weakened side, especially with a lucrative FA Cup tie at the weekend. Not so much at Cheshunt, but if they pull a Conference side in the last qualifying round.

“At the end of the day it’s been forced upon us,” said Dolby. It’s difficult for a manager with a small squad to get people out there. People get knocks and don’t have time to recover, they need time to rest.

“It’s tough for the league as they don’t know who will be in the FA Cup at this stage but it’s hard for clubs as well.”

Visit Club Websites:

www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk

www.dartfordfc.co.uk

Tonbridge Angels v Dartford
Westview Cup Third Round
Tuesday 10^th October 2006
Kick Off 7:45pm
At the Betterview Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge