Falana urges Tonbridge faithful: We need your support (EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW)

Wade Falana has issued a rallying cry to the Tonbridge Angels faithful to continue their excellent PASSIONATE support for their Ryman League Division One play-off SHOWDOWN against their arch-rivals Dover Athletic on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

There is a lot more than Kentish bragging rights at stake when the two clubs take to the field on Saturday. Whoever wins will secure promotion into the Ryman Premier League at the first attempt, and whoever loses will be licking their wounds.

But the 34-year-old big target man has experienced the tension of a play-off final already, scoring Bromley’s opening goal in their 3-1 win at Horsham this time last year as George Wakeling’s side secured their promotion via the end of season lottery.

With at least 1,500 fans flocking to the Betterview Longmead Stadium on Saturday, Falana is relishing the clash, which will generate plenty of noise from both sets of pumped up fans.

“It’s going to be a great game isn’t it,” he said. “We’re going to be well up for it and so will Dover as it’s a Kent derby.”

Falana urges the home faithful to make a lot of noise to assist Tony Dolby’s side into the top flight of Ryman League football.

“I’ve got experience from last year and I know I’m going to play some part in the final,” the much-travelled hit-man said.

“From the experience I’ve had with Bromley it’s a great feeling if you win the play-off’s believe me.

“So hopefully I can do it twice, get Tonbridge up and maybe play Bromley next year - if I’m still playing.”

Tonbridge fans roared on their side to a 2-0 victory over Tooting & Mitcham United last Monday courtesy of two breakaway goals from Jon Main and Nick Barnes.

Top scorer, with 13-goals Ray Powell, was shown his second yellow card after 41 minutes and along with Barnes will miss the final due to suspension.

And Falana has given fans this message ahead of the crucial clash. “The support down here is good. I’ve been lucky to play for a couple of teams in the last couple of years who have great support and Tonbridge have great support as well as Bromley. I’ve been very lucky and we had great support against Tooting.

“May it continue on Saturday. We’re going to need them. It’s not going to be an easy game, we’ll need a 12^th man and we need all the support we can get.

"When I was with Bromley I said their supporters carried us through last year so hopefully Tonbridge supporters can carry us through as well.”

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be attending Thursday night’s training session at the Betterview Longmead Stadium and we shall bring you more reaction on Friday.