Warrilow expecting blood and thunder derby

Friday 24th April 2009

TOMMY WARRILOW has dismissed talk that tomorrow's Kent showdown between Tonbridge Angels and champions Dover Athletic is meaningless, writes Stephen McCartney.

For one thing, Dover Athletic will smash a club record with victory at Longmead Stadium, which will put Andy Hessenthaler's side on 104 points - two more than the Dover side that stormed to the Beazer Homes League title back in 1989-1990.

And another thing, both sets of passionate supporters - and the two bosses of these two great Kent clubs - will not let their players turn up for just a stroll.

And Angels boss Warrilow, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk on the eve of the final day showdown, says he demands victory over their Kentish rivals - but admits winning the play-off's next week - to join Dover Athletic in the Blue Square South - is top of the agenda.

"We had a good training session last night and I stressed to the lads that it would be nice to beat Dover and send a message out going into the play-off's on a positive note," he said.

"I think we've lost two of our last 22 league games, again that should send the right message out. When you look at how Staines' games have gone, they've drawn seven (before losing their last two). As a manager, I would want to go into (the play-off's) winning."

Whilst some fans may decide to stay away tomorrow, Warrilow insists both camps will be going hell-for-leather to claim Kentish bragging rights.

"Dover have got something to play for - they can beat the record tomorrow," said the former Horsham number two.

"I know the players have got something to play for - like mine have - they are playing for contracts next year. From my point of view, I said it in my (programme) notes, it's not a nothing game.

"Tomorrow is a big local derby, there's pride at stake and people are paying good money to come and watch a game of football.

"There's no way I want the game to be like a testimonial game."

With Warrilow's Angels on 73 points, six points behind runners-up Staines Town, it just shows how good Hessenthaler's Dover Athletic side have been this season.

And Warrilow agreed, saying, "AFC Wimbledon got 75 points last year and went up (via the play-off's having finished in third place) - I want to finish on 76.

"It just shows how well Dover have done. Seventy-six points may have got us up, but because Dover have run away with it, it would have been interesting to see what would have happened if they weren't in the league this year with us and Staines being so close now."

One thing for certain, meanwhile, is that Tonbridge Angels WILL be at home in the Ryman Premier League play-off semi-final on Tuesday night.

Whoever finishes in fourth place will be their opponents on Tuesday night - one of AFC Hornchurch, Carshalton Athletic or Sutton United.

And Warrilow is taking no chances - his side will come in for training on Monday night - to prepare for their last two games of the season.

"We don't even know who we're playing yet, that's the only frustrating thing," he said. "But after Saturday we'll know that."

Speaking about the end-of-season play-off lottery, Warrilow said, "You need a bit of luck. Someone said to me, I'd rather be a lucky manager than a good manager - now I understand what they're saying.

"Hopefully we'd get a little bit of luck, but I do beleive the four teams going into the play-off's are all good teams.

"But I'm quietly confident we can hold our own at the moment because we are a very difficult side to beat. Everyone's had ups and downs, our downs are draws and not losses so that's not a bad sign."

Midfielder Anthony Storey serves the last of his ban against Dover tomorrow, but central defensive rock Leon Legge has been ruled out for the rest of this season, through suspension.

Fraser Logan (a long-term cruciate ligament injury), Ade Olorunda (broken foot) and Lee Minshull (shoulder) have all been ruled out.

Warrilow added, "We've got 15 people for tomorrow, but there are a couple of them that are feeling a little bit sore, so there the ones that will be rested for the right reasons. The rest of the boys will be having a game as per usual and trying to maintain the momentum going into the play-off semi-final and hopefully into the final."

Sammy Moore (knee) and Dean Hill (groin), meanwhile, are expected to be ruled out of the Dover Athletic side tomorrow.

Apologies to Dover Athletic fans - www.kentishfootball.co.uk attempted to call Whites' boss Andy Hessenthaler today - but couldn't get through to him.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game

Visit Tonbridge Angels' website: www.tonbridgeafc.co.uk/forum

Visit Dover Athletic's website: www.doverathletic.com

Tonbridge Angels v Dover Athletic

Ryman Premier League

Saturday 25th April 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

at Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3JW