Dolby wants to give fans something to shout about

Tonbridge Angels’ boss Tony Dolby is looking forward to their FA Cup second qualifying round clash with Southern Premier League side Banbury United at the Betterview Longmead Stadium tomorrow.

The Angels, third in the Ryman Premier League, lost their second game of the season on Tuesday night, pulling back a 3-0 half-time deficit at big spenders Chelmsford City before two second half goals from John Main - his ninth of the season - and Luke Piscina brought the west Kent side close to collecting a point in Essex.

“I was quite philosophical at half-time,” Dolby told the Kent & Sussex Courier newspaper.

“I didn’t go in and tear the paint of the walls as I have done this season. I told them to persevere, not go hiding and keep wanting the ball.

“The half-time score-line did not warrant the performance. We had two golden chances and a disallowed goal. We gave away a penalty that never was but in the second half battered them and were unfortunate not to come away with anything.”

He added: “There was a lot of positives we can take out of the game and the boys made me proud in many ways.

With his side sitting behind Bromley and Horsham in the table, Dolby wants their early season form to continue.

“I’ve got total belief in the players we had,” he said. “It’s really good being me at the moment. I’m working with a really good set of lads - training is a pleasure. Long may it continue.

“As long as we keep clear of injuries we will continue to give it a right good go.”

Looking ahead to the visit of Banbury United, who have just bolstered their squad with former Wycombe Wanderers’ star Jermaine McSporran joining their ranks, Dolby said: “They are a very good side and have only been beaten once. They are fourth in the league and have got good players.

“But as it has been all season it is going to be about us. If we do the same as what we have been doing all season we will have nothing to worry about.

“The FA Cup is everything to a club like us with the prize money and extra revenue though the gates.

“While we are on a good run any financial help is highly beneficial to the squad. With that in mind we want to go out and give it our all.

“I envisage a big crowd and we want to give them plenty to cheer about and hopefully be in the hat on Monday.”

Tonbridge Angels v Banbury United
FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 30^th September 2006
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Betterview Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge