Tonbridge Angels (A) preview

Robbie Simpson’s side goes into the game at the Halycon Wealth Longmead Stadium on the hunt for a first win in seven league and cup matches.

While impressive draws against Oxford City and Dartford are part of the seven-game run, defeats have sandwiched the points against the high-flying sides.

In our last outing, goals either side of the half-time break saw City beaten 2-1 by Hemel Hempstead Town at the EMG Inspire Stadium.

The defeat came despite a late fightback from the Clarets which saw Adebola Oluwo bag a consolation goal.

Saturday’s opponents are on their own winless run, having suffered defeat in each of their previous four matches.

Steve McKimm’s side currently sits just one position higher than City in the National League South, in 18th.

Last time out…

As mentioned above, in our last outing Hemel Hempstead Town travelled to Essex and left the EMG Inspire Stadium with three points.

Just over 10 minutes into the game, the visitors took the lead after a smart passing move down the right was capped off Alfie Cerulli firing past James Dillon.

Zaid Al-Hussaini and Tom Dickens linked up later in the half, with the latter crossing for Simeon Jackson and the striker almost had an open goal to draw City level after a mix-up, however, the ball was eventually cleared.

With blows being traded by either side, Sam Mantom almost doubled the Tudors’ lead before half-time, firing into the side netting from close range.

The visitors did get their second 10 minutes into the second half though, as Craig Fasanmade calmly finished beyond Dillon after racing into the City box.

Looking to get back into the game, the Clarets pulled a goal back after Adebola Oluwo applied a simple finish after a Charlie Sheringham header came off the crossbar with 15 minutes remaining.

Despite a Dominic Morgan-Griffiths red card for the Tudors, City couldn’t find an equaliser despite some late pressure and the game ended in defeat.

The opposition…

The Angels have endured a difficult start to the campaign, losing seven of their 12 league games so far this season.

On the opening day of the term, Steve McKimm’s side was handed a heavy 5-1 defeat against Ebbsfleet United, before sealing their first win on matchday three in a 3-1 win against Hungerford Town.

The Kent side’s three wins so far this campaign have come against the Crusaders, Dorking Wanderers and Billericay Town.

Tonbridge also found no luck in this season’s Emirates FA Cup, losing 5-0 to Hayes & Yeading United in the second qualifying round.

All four of the Angels’ previous matches have ended in defeat, however, they have been narrow losses, with three of the four games being 1-0 defeats.

Last time out they were beaten 1-0 by Welling United away from home.

Opposition dangerman…

Ibrahim Olutade is the Angels’ top scorer in the league so far this season, having scored four goals for the club in 12 appearances.

While the 23-year-old attacker is Tonbridge’s league top scorer though, he has not scored in his previous five National League South outings.

Olutade’s goals in the league have come against Ebbsfleet, Hampton & Richmond Borough, Dorking and Concord Rangers.

Prior to joining McKimm’s side in the summer just gone, the forward played for National League South counterparts Maidstone United.

As well as the two step 2 clubs, Olutade also has non-league experience with Hanwell Town and Leatherhead.

Our last meeting…

Clarets 0-2 Tonbridge Angels, 9th November 2020

A goal either side of the half-time break saw the Angels pick up three points at the EMG Inspire Stadium in our last meeting.

In miserable conditions in Essex, Tonbridge took the lead with 10 minutes on the clock as Tom Parkinson powered home a cross from Kristian Campbell.

City pressed to get back into the game but chances for Alex Teniola and Adam Liddle went begging.

Midway through the half, Tom Wraight had the best chance to draw City level after cutting onto his left after receiving a pass from Callum Harrison but the shot was straight at the Tonbridge ‘keeper.

Despite continuing that dominance while looking for an equaliser into the second half, it was the visitors who bagged the next goal.

Attacking on the counter, Tom Beere came forward and the former AFC Wimbledon man slid a shot under Lee Worgan to double Tonbridge’s advantage.

Over the remainder of the game, more opportunities came and went for City, meaning the game ended in defeat and the Clarets were made to rue missed chances.

Where to follow the game…

The Club will be providing live minute-by-minute coverage of the game on Twitter (@OfficialClarets) using the hashtag #CCFC.

There will also be live audio commentary from Radio Clarets.

Post-match reports, highlights and interviews will be found on the club website, social media and ClaretsTV following the game.

To attend the game, ticket details can be found here.