We won't be taking Herne Bay lightly, says Tonbridge Angels boss Steve McKimm

TONBRIDGE ANGELS midfielder Tom Parkinson says he is relishing winning another battle against a sibling tomorrow.

The Angels welcome Herne Bay to Longmead Stadium in The FA Cup First Qualifying Round, where younger brother Dan plays for the Bay while on loan from Maidstone United.

Tom edged the midfield battle against his older brother Jack when Tonbridge Angels inflicted Maidstone United’s only defeat of the season as Alex Teniola grabbed the points with a last-gasp winner on August Bank Holiday Monday.

Steve McKimm’s side are in tenth-place in the Ryman Premier League table after collecting five wins and five defeats so far this season.

They go into the game on the back of a 2-1 win at Leatherhead last weekend, before beating Canvey Island 4-1 at Longmead Stadium on Tuesday night.

“I have really enjoyed the season so far,” said Parkinson, 23.

“We’ve got a great bunch of lads and a really good young manager in Steve who all the players’ enjoy playing for.

“Steve’s brought his philosophy in which we all enjoy. It allows us to express ourselves and play good football.

“We’ve had a good start so far. We would’ve liked to have a few more points on board but we’re happy with the start we’ve had considering it’s a brand new team that he’s put together.  It will only get better with time.

“Our home form has been very good so far. It’s our away form that’s let us down.

“One thing I will say is the fans’ have been different class home and away this season which has kicked us on in most games especially at home.

“The last couple of games have been good from a team point of view and hopefully we can keep the winning streak going.”

Parkinson, who clinched promotion from the Ryman League Division One South as play-off winners for Richard Brady’s Leatherhead last season, is relishing tomorrow’s FA Cup tie against Herne Bay.

Sam Denly’s side are in eight-place in the Ryman League Division One South table with four wins, two draws and three defeats so far.

“The FA Cup is something as a player you always look forward to,” said the versatile Parkinson.

“I’ve never had a big Cup run but you see non-league teams every year do well and draw League teams and it’s something I’d love to do, so why can’t it be Tonbridge this year?

“It won’t be an easy game on Saturday. Herne Bay will be very organised, hard-working and they’ve got some good players.

“We will need to be on our game from start-to-finish. We won’t be taking them lightly, that’s for sure.

“I’ve never had an easy game against them, but I’m confident if we perform the way we have been in the last couple of games, then we should be ok.”

Tom is relishing claiming the bragging rights against younger brother Dan tomorrow.

“It’s nice playing against your brothers, only as long as you win,” said Tom.

“I really enjoyed the Maidstone game playing against Jack. He shouldn’t really be playing at this level, he should still be in the Conference, but due to work, he isn’t.

“It was nice getting the win against him though!

“Dan’s a really good player as well. He came to Leatherhead last season and to be honest he was one of our better players before he got called back to Maidstone.

“He’s been a bit unlucky at Maidstone this season because of the start they’ve had it was hard for him to get into the side so going on loan to get games will only help him.

“He’s only 18 and he’s already played 40-50 games of men’s football. Out of the four of us he’s probably got the most ability and will have a good future in the game.

“I will enjoy playing against him tomorrow but will enjoy it even more if we beat them!

“That will make it three from three against my brothers!”

McKimm, meanwhile, hopes the Angels avoid being on the end of a cup upset in his first FA Cup tie in charge of the club.

“I felt the last couple of games have been good in terms of results and performance,” said the 38-year-old.

“We played well on Tuesday and to get four decent goals was pleasing.

“The FA Cup will be a tough test against Herne Bay, who are a good functional side that we won’t be taking lightly.”

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

Tonbridge Angels  v  Herne Bay
The FA Cup First Qualifying Round
Saturday 13^th September 2014
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3JF