2ndapr04

Title is the ultimate prize for Tonbridge

Tonbridge Angels chairman Paul Dainty said winning the Dr Martens League Eastern Division title is still the number one priority for the club.

Tonbridge's title aspirations were hit by a surprise midweek loss to lowly Newport IOW.  The result followed the Angels win over Burgess Hill last Saturday which guaranteed they will be playing in the new Dr Martens Premier Division at least next season.

Dainty, told the Kent & Sussex Courier: "We have achieved the minimum expectation this season but the real prize of the league title is our ultimate aim.  Despite the setback of a defeat on Tuesday, I still believe we are capable of winning the title and bringing the championship back to Longmead."

Tonbridge face a tough home encounter against Bashley on Saturday,  The Hampshire side did the Angels a favour by beating title rivals Folkestone Invicta in midweek.

Speaking after the defeat against Newport, manager Tony Dolby said: "We were not anything like our normal performance and we got what we deserved.  We did not play like we have over the last few games.  I am not making excuses but we have a lot of tough games in a short space of time."

With the destination of the championship set to go right down to the wire, Dolby and his assistant, Mike Rutherford are preparing the squad ready to get them to cross the line with the championship trophy in their grasp.

Dolby added: "Bashley are always a tough side but we are looking forward to coming back home in front of our fans and hope we can continue the form that saw us beat Ashford Town."

Tonbridge Angles vs Bashley, Saturday 3 April, @ Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Dr Martens League Eastern Division