Bradford City fans' raise funds for Tonbridge Angels ahead of behind closed doors FA Cup tie

BRADFORD CITY supporters’ have clubbed together to raise funds for Tonbridge Angels.

The two clubs meet each other in The FA Cup First Round at Longmead Stadium next month but due to restrictions and Tonbridge Angels being classed as an elite club playing in the National League South the game - and all other ties - are being played behind closed doors.

The Football Association has reduced winners prize money for this stage of the competition so the losing club can receive a slice of the pie.

Winners are now going to bank £16,872 with £5,657 going to clubs who end their cup journey for another year.

However, organiser Jonnie Carrington has set-up a JustGiving page for Bradford City fans’ to contribute towards the fund, which is a fantastic gesture and £1,426 has been raised.

He said: “We’re raising £1,000 to raise missed funds that Tonbridge Angels would have received if Bradford City fans were allowed in the ground.

“On Saturday, Tonbridge Angels qualified for The FA Cup First Round for the first time in 48 years and they were drawn at home to League Two Bradford City.

“The Longmead Stadium has a capacity of 3,000 people, of which Bradford City last season had six times that more in season tickets.

“Because of Covid, fans aren’t allowed in the grounds, so my idea was to donate just a small fee to make up for what would have probably been Tonbridge’s biggest money payout away from the Cup money.

“Let’s all get behind City and show Tonbridge that without fans football would be nothing.”

Angels boss Steve McKimm, who has guided the club through to the First Round with victories over Farnborough (1-0); Chichester City (2-1) and Taunton Town (5-0), said: “This is an unbelievable idea and gesture, thank you very much. It is such a shame fans’ can’t attend.”

Visit Tonbridge Angels’ website: www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk