TONBRIDGE ANGELS
STADIUM
With a capacity of 3,000, Tonbridge play their home games at Longmead Stadium. The Angels move their in 1980, following the decision to sell their former ground and redevelop it into a shopping centre.
LAST SEASON’S MEETINGS
Tonbridge Angels 1-0 Chelmsford City (25th October 2022) – Following a strong start, with only 1 defeat coming at home, the Clarets saw their unbeaten away run come to an end in Kent. It was an early Jeremy Santos goal which caught the Clarets out, as Tonbridge used their 3g pitch to their advantage and were able to control and see out the game.
Chelmsford City 1-0 Tonbridge Angels (20th February 2023) – In a dramatic game, a scoreless draw was cancelled out with a beautiful 96th minute strike. It was a poor tackle on Freddie Hockey, seeing a free kick sent in and fall to Liam Trotter, 25 yards out. A wonder strike from the experienced man sent the home end into pandemonium, as they secured the late win.
A FEW CLUB LINKS
Last season, Devonte Aransibia started the season with the Clarets and ended with the Angels. He started well for Chelmsford, scoring a few before a move to Welling. When it failed to work there, he joined Tonbridge, and was able to flourish. Next season, he will line up for Maidstone United. A player who has also played for both is a new Claret, Luke Jenkins. Luke featured on loan at Longmead, in a 1-month loan deal.
THE MANAGER
Taking the reigns in May 2022, Jay Saunders is Tonbridge’s manager. He has a good record, having overseen Maidstone’s rise from the Isthmian South to National League in just four seasons. He has also previously managed Gravesend & Northfleet, Margate and Lewes.
2022-23 SEASON
Last season, in a rather competitive one, the Angels finished 9th. They ended just 4 points behind 7th placed Braintree, who occupied the final playoff space.