Dolby: We're in a prime position

Tonbridge Angels player-manager Tony Dolby admits his side are in a “prime position” to return to the Ryman Premier League at the first attempt, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Angels are currently in fourth position in the table with 52 points but are just two points behind leaders Horsham – with three games in hand.Their next three league games are at home, starting with Dulwich Hamlet’s visit on Saturday, and Dolby feels getting wins on home soil will assist their promotion bid.

Dolby’s men have collected 25 points from their 11 home games this season, and are the second highest supported club in the division – behind Dover Athletic – with an average of 379 watching their games at the Betterview Longmead Stadium.

”We’re in a prime position,” Dolby said after their 3-2 win at struggling Kent rivals Ashford Town at the weekend.

”We’re fourth in the table on goal-difference, being two points behind with three games in hand.  I think any of the other three would swap that position with us.

”Looking at the games we have got at home their not going to be easy,” he warned.  “There going to be tight games.  We’ve got Dover, Met.Police, Dulwich, Bashley – all tough games but they have to come to us and we’ve won our last few home games.  We’re looking very strong at home.”

Tonbridge’s visit to Homelands on Saturday attracted Ashford’s second highest crowd of the season and Dolby praised his fans.  “The fans are superb,” he said.  “I think they know we’re onto a good thing at the moment and their embracing it well.

”Hopefully we’ll be able to deliver for them and get the promotion they certainly deserve and the club has worked hard to get.”

Strikers Jon Main (2) and Ray Powell were both on the scoresheet and Dolby praised the two strikers.  Main, making only his second appearance for the Angels following his recent arrival from league rivals Cray Wanderers, has now scored 23 goals this season, and Powell is now joint top scorer, with Dolby and Jay May on eight.

Dolby added: “They’re very good players that will cause any defence in the league problems and both can score goals.

”Ray’s got fantastic energy about him and defensively they do a good job for us as well.

”We’re all about being a tight unit, defending well and pressing forward well and that’s come to light at the right time.”