22ndapr05

Dolby to discuss his future with new Angels chairman

TONBRIDGE ANGELS' dramatic late win over rivals Dover Athletic, which consigned the Hoverspeed Stadium outfit to relegation, will count for nothing if they fail to secure three points at Harrow Borough tomorrow, writes Jez Durrant.

Speaking on Wednesday, Angels boss Tony Dolby told the Kent and Sussex Courier Newspaper: "The game was not for the faint hearted but we got the result that was required.  There was little periods of pressure from both sides but I felt we looked the stronger in the first half and deserved our lead.

"In the second period the nerves set in and the game became bitty as the referee kept blowing for silly free kicks.  We gave them too many set pieces, which was one of their strengths, and they eventually scored from one.

"It was a very tight game but we held our nerve and it is a testament to our players that they kept going until the end."

Tonbridge must turn their attention to their trip to Harrow Borough tomorrow (Saturday) who are one of the teams that they are vying with for safety.

Dolby added: "This game now becomes the biggest game of the season as were Dover, as was Hendon and the others before it.

"We are confident of getting a win as nothing else is acceptable.

"The camp is really bubbling at the moment as we have gone four games without a defeat.  We certainly won't give up the ghost.

"We'll go to Harrow and hopefully get the three points we require and then go into the last game of the season (at home to Hampton & Richmond Borough - who meet Slough Town in the Bryco Cup Final two days before their trip to the Avavan Longmead Stadium) giving ourselves the best possible chance."

Dolby will return from suspension for their trip to Earlsmead but the side will almost certainly be without Craig Roser through injury and Tim Hambley is suspended.

After the Harrow game Dolby will sit down with chairman-elect Nick Sullivan to discuss his and the club's future.  Sullivan is taking over from current chairman Paul Dainty, who will take a vice-chairman's role.

Dolby said the club had made the right choice, adding: "Nick is the right person.  He has a lot of enthusiasm and with the help of Paul it will be a good formula as a hole.  Hopefully we can stay up but if we go down I am sure we will bounce back straight away.

"I can't think about anything else yet other than the next game.  After that I will sit down with Nick next week when we will have a clearer picture of what is going to happen and we will have a chat."

Meanwhile, Cheshunt are at home to Windsor & Eton - we hope the Royalists collect three points.

Ryman League Premier Division table (bottom six)

Harrow Borough v Tonbridge Angels
Ryman League Premier Division
Saturday 23rd April 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Earlsmead, Carlyon Avenue, South Harrow, Middlesex