Written by: Ollie Heathcote
THE OPPOSITION: Tonbridge Angels
The Tudors return home following a positive point by the seaside against Eastbourne Borough. As The Focus is ready for the arrival of Tonbridge Angels, who travel to HP2 following two wins on the bounce aginst both Welling and Enfield respectively.
The Key Info
Founded: 1947
Nickname: The Angels
Manager: Jay Saunders
Stadium: Longmead Stadium
Capacity: 3000
The History
Founded in 1947, Tonbridge Angels began their endeavour in competitive football in the
Southern League, playing their home matches at The Angel Ground which was the former home of Kent Cricket Club. The first period of the club’s existence saw the Angels struggle to adapt, which resulted in their relegation from the Premier Division in the 1961/62 season. However, this gave Tonbridge an opportunity to reset and eventually return to the Premier Division after eleven years. After suffering financial troubles in the 1970s, with the original Tonbridge FC going into liquidation, the club was reformed as Tonbridge Angels, with the club moving into the Longmead Stadium in 1980, where they have played their home games ever since. Most recently, the Angels earned their promotion to the National League South in the 2018/19 season, following playoff victories over Haringey Borough, Merstham and Met Police. Since this period, Tonbridge Angels have competed consistently at Step 2 of the Non-League pyramid, with their highest finish at 9th place in the league. Coming into this fixture, they currently sit 9th, with hopes of pushing up the
table.
The Gaffer - Jay Saunders
After Tonbridge appointed him in the 2021/22 season, Jay Saunders has built up a good relationship with the Angels, ensuring that they remain an established side in this league.
Prior to his announcement, his experience as a manager has been shown with a short stint at Margate, whilst also managing a lengthy spell at fellow Kent outfit Maidstone United. His best
achievement as manager of Tonbridge was leading them to a ninth placed finish in the 2022/23 season, and with the Angels currently sitting in 9th, there is a slight hope of a playoff push, as
the league remains tight.
One to Watch - Sean Shields
Making the move to the Angels during the 2023/24 season, Sean Shields has made a profound impact since his arrival, with his tally currently on 9 goals and 6 assists this season. Shields is an attack-minded player, who likes to get on the ball and cause a threat, mostly operating on the left side of midfield. Throughout his career, Shields has played as high as League Two, working his way through the non league pyramid after progressing through the youth ranks at Tottenham Hotspur. His most outstanding contributions have come at the Angels, as well as Ebbsfleet United and Weymouth, accumulating 185 appearances between the three clubs. He has also had spells at Notts County, Barnet and Scunthorpe United throughout his career.
Heading into this fixture, Shields will prove to be an experienced head who will provide a vast amount of quality in the attacking setup of Tonbridge Angels.
The Skipper - Scott Wagstaff
Scott Wagstaff is the captain of the Angels, and is a vastly experienced player within English football. The early stages of his career saw him progress through the youth setup at Charlton Athletic before going on to make 142 appearances for the Addicks. Wagstaff has played as
high as the Championship as he represented Bristol City, before moving to Gillingham and eventually AFC Wimbledon. Following his spell at the Dons, Wagstaff went on to play for Forest Green, Aldershot and Bromley before being recruited by Tonbridge Angels. Since joining, he has picked up over 100 appearances for the Angels, and continues to contribute with his on field performances.
Last Time Out - Tonbridge Angels 2-0 Hemel Hempstead Town
The last fixture between the two teams saw the Angels claim victory over the Tudors.
A Sean Shields brace after the half time break continued Hemel’s winless spell, with
a dominant display in all areas of the pitch. With the teams unable to be separated
at the half, Shields saw his deflected effort find the back of the net in the 53rd minute.
The Tudors continued to battle through extremely tough conditions; however, the
win was secured as a ball across the face of goal found Shields, who fired a low effort
into the back of the net.
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