Warrilow wants passionate support as he plots giant killing - EXCLUSIVE

Tommy Warrilow has issued a rallying cry to ALL Tonbridge Angels supporters’ to make Oxford United’s visit as uncomfortable as possible to help his warriors produce a giant killing on Tuesday night, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Tonbridge Angels boss has urged all Angels fans’ to continue their excellent and PASSIONATE support that they gave throughout Saturday’s goal-less draw at a sparse Kassam Stadium.

The 43-year-old former Horsham assistant manager revealed that he’s only got 12 first team players at his disposal for the FA Carlsberg Trophy first round replay showdown at the Betterview Longmead Stadium.

Fresh from their impressive display at the 12,500 Kassam Stadium, Warrilow wants his side to take advantage of home comforts to earn another lucrative home game, against their Ryman Premier League rivals AFC Wimbledon, in the second round next month.

Youngsters Charlie Sharman and Dan Bowles, who warmed the bench in Oxfordshire, will be joined by winger Alex Rich and striker Ashley Dann tomorrow night - with Kirk Husnu the only substitute with real first team experience.

The Cuxton based boss, with just one defeat in ten games in charge since taking over from Tony Dolby, will decide whether to start Hamid Barr and Richard Harris - who both came off the bench on Saturday - up front and to drop Tommy Tyne back in the middle of the park.

But the Angels are once again without winger John Westcott and strikers Kwasi Edusei and Carl Rook, as they’ll all cup-tied.

Versatile skipper Ray Powell, meanwhile, and central midfielder Anthony Storey, miss this vital game, through suspension.

Oxford United, meanwhile, a full-time Blue Square Premier outfit, arrive in Kent minus their number one goalkeeper Billy Turley, through suspension.

They are expected to throw youngster Sam Warrall into the deep end on his debut.

And midfielder Danny Rose, whose previous club was Manchester United, is also unavailable due to a hamstring injury.

Speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk on the eve of the big replay, Warrilow accepts he is down to the bare bones.

But he said: “I’m not thinking the job’s done. The Oxford manager’s had a right go at them - they’ll be up for it.

“But we go into it confident, but not over confident.”

Oxford United can expect a culture shock as they arrive from the 12,500 all seated Kassam Stadium to the passion filled Betterview Longmead Stadium.

“The last thing they wanted was to come to us on a Tuesday night,” said Warrilow.

“So hopefully the crowd will make it uncomfortable for them and will help us.

“Oxford will not be looking forward to coming down to Tonbridge tomorrow.”

Warrilow wants fans to unsettle rookie goalkeeper Warrall.

He said: “We will be trying to test the lad. Billy Turley is an experienced lad and will be a big loss for them.”

He added: “We won’t be taking them lightly. We know they will be coming at us.

“They’re quite a big, physical team. If we can match that we should be there or there abouts.”

Tonbridge Angels have nothing to fear! Since Oxford United played out a goal-less draw against Ebbsfleet United on 17^th November, they’ve only found the net twice in their last six games.

And their disgruntled fans are deciding not to make the two-hour trip to west Kent to watch their side.

They also think Tonbridge Angels players are Sunday League standard players on £50 per week!

“They’re in a dip but we give them the respect they deserve, like we give every team,” said Warrilow.

“We are concentrating on what we can do. Match their work-rate - and play.

“If we can convert chances, they’re a couple of league’s above us. We want to compete and play teams at that level every week -there’s nothing to be frightened!”

And Warrilow wants a passionate crowd of over 1,000 to support his side.

“Get down there, get nice and noisy and get the chanting going,” he urges.

“If we can make the atmosphere as buzzing as it was at Oxford, they were absolutely outstanding Saturday.

“All their facilities were lovely - shame about the crowd. If we can get 1,000 down there we know what sort of atmosphere can be created.”

But Warrilow wants victory without having to go through extra time - or penalties.

“I don’t want any extra time at all,” he explained. “That’s where the full-time fitness comes in,” he warned.

“We have to keep the ball and not lose it cheaply. We know what to expect. They came out the second half and came straight at us.

“We have to be disciplined and get it down and play.

“They’re a good team - but they’re beatable!

“We’ve got 12 fit senior players, we’re a weakened squad with five quality players not being involved tomorrow.

“The boys’ are looking forward to it. There’s no pressure on us. It’s more revenue for the club and another big gate (at home to AFC Wimbledon in the second round) at the end of it.

“If we can perform like we did Saturday, there’s no reason why we can’t get into the next round.”

But he added: “It’s not going to be easy but it’s not going to be impossible - it’s a winnable game!”

Visit Tonbridge Angels websites: 

www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk & www.tonbridgeafc.co.uk/forum

Admission prices:  £10 (adults), £8 (students), £5 (concessions), £3 (under 16s).


Tonbridge Angels v Oxford United
FA Carlsberg Trophy First Round Replay
Tuesday 18^th December 2007
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Betterview Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3JW