Dolby: Main has come to a bigger club

Tonbridge Angels missed out on the chance to go top of the Ryman League Division One table on Tuesday night when their home game with Bashley was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at the Betterview Longmead Stadium, writes Jez Durrant.

The postponement puts Tonbridge further behind their title rivals in terms of games but if Tony Dolby’s men can win their matches in hand they will open up a handy lead at the top of the table.

Horsham are currently in pole position having played 27 games with a total of 51 points. Tonbridge are in forth place, two points behind and having played three games less.

Player-boss Dolby said he would have liked the Bashley game to have gone ahead but was satisfied with his side’s current progress.

The Angels recorded their 15^th win of the season last Saturday when a 67^th minute Darren Smith strike gave them all the points against Banstead Athletic.

The game saw the debut of striker Jon Main, who was signed on the eve of the match from Cray Wanderers, where he scored 21 goals.

Speaking to the Kent and Sussex Courier on Wednesday, Dolby said: “It was another good win on Saturday against Banstead but we should have been ahead before half time. We did not take our chances but overall it was a good, solid display.”

Speaking about Main’s signing, Dolby added: “We have got a player who is a goalscorer.

“I have felt it is something we have been missing this season. The goals have been dished out around the team.

“It would be nice for that to continue while also converting more of our chances

“Jon has come here to a bigger club and is keen to be part of what we are trying to achieve.”

Tonbridge’s league position has been enhance by the results of their rivals and Dolby said: “Other results have gone well for us but we have some big games in the next month with many of our rivals coming to Longmead.”

Before that Tonbridge visit Kent rivals Ashford Town tomorrow and despite their league position just above the relegation places Dolby said he would not take them lightly.

He added: “They recently beat Dover Athletic at home and I don’t think the pitch will be that good.

“We will have to roll our sleeves up and go and put on a professional performance.”

Tonbridge Angels youngsters Ian Parkes and Matt Hollyoak have been selected for the England under-18s schoolboy international squad.

He pair, who both attend Tunbridge Wells Grammar School, have both featured in the Angels’ first team.

* Meanwhile, former Tunbridge Wells midfielder Steve Ward made his Angels’ reserve team debut in their 5-1 win at Camberley Town last Saturday.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will provide coverage of the game, with team-news, half-time score and result - and reaction from both camps.

Ashford Town v Tonbridge Angels
Ryman League Division One
Saturday 21^st January 2006
Kick Off 3:00pm
at The Homelands, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford