The FA Cup takes centre stage at the Yeomans Community Stadium, Longmead on Saturday afternoon as Angels welcome fellow Kent side Ramsgate in the Second Qualifying Round of the grand old competition.
It will be a busy afternoon with not only FA Cup football but also a tribute to our much-beloved, late chairman Steve Churcher, who died at the start of this month. Look out for a full tribute to Steve here tomorrow.
Between 5 and 6pm there will be post match entertainment from the ever-popular More T Vicar who will be playing in the Marquee.
After the opening weeks of the Enterprise National League South season, league points are put to one side as the Angels begin their 2026/27 FA Cup campaign, with a place in the Third Qualifying Round at stake.
Ramsgate, of the Isthmian Premier, have already played once in this season’s competition, beating Bracknell Town 1-0 at home in the First Qualifying Round to earn Saturday’s trip to Longmead.
For Angels, it is the start of another FA Cup journey after reaching the Fourth Qualifying Round last season and the First Round Proper the season before.
Manager’s Thoughts
Angels boss Alan Dunne, who was part of the Millwall squad which reached the 2004 FA Cup Final, said: “This competition is all about dreams and, for us, it starts here. I know how badly this club wants a good Cup run. I understand that. Believe me, I want it too. I know there’s been some real Cup heartache here over the last couple of seasons but it’s the here and now we’re concerned with.
“This will be a proper derby as Ramsgate, who have enjoyed their own Cup success in recent seasons, will want exactly the same things as we do. We will treat Ramsgate with the utmost respect and I know Ady Pennock will have his charges fully up for this game so it’s going to be a tough encounter.
“I’m expecting another big crowd. The atmosphere has been fantastic at home games this season and I’m sure it will be no different on Saturday.”
The Opposition
Ramsgate arrive at Longmead sitting eighth in the Isthmian League Premier Division and come into this game on the back of a 2-0 victory over Maldon & Tiptree.
Their season began with a 2-1 home defeat against Leatherhead before a 3-1 victory away at Stanway Rovers. Back-to-back defeats against Enfield Town and Welling United followed, although Ramsgate responded emphatically with home victories over St Albans City and AFC Whyteleafe, scoring nine goals across the two matches.
Their FA Cup campaign began on 5 September when they welcomed Bracknell Town in the First Qualifying Round. A 1-0 victory was enough to book their place in Saturday’s tie and set up the all-Kent meeting with the Angels.
Ramsgate’s last away outing saw them earn a point in a 2-2 draw at Burgess Hill Town. While the sides now compete one step apart in the non-league pyramid, they are certainly no strangers to each other.
Recent Meetings
Apart from a Kent Senior Cup tie in 2023 and an Isthmian League Cup tie in 2014, it has been more than 17 years since Tonbridge and Ramsgate last met competitively, with all of the most recent league encounters coming during their time together in the Isthmian League.
At Longmead in January 2009, the sides shared the points in a 2-2 draw. Tonbridge had won the reverse fixture earlier that season, coming away from Ramsgate with a 3-2 victory.
The four most recent league meetings have seen the Angels remain unbeaten, with two wins and two draws.
3 January 2009: Tonbridge Angels 2-2 Ramsgate
25 August 2008: Ramsgate 2-3 Tonbridge Angels
26 February 2008: Tonbridge Angels 2-0 Ramsgate
15 January 2008: Tonbridge Angels 0-0 Ramsgate
Supporter Information
Kick-Off
Saturday 19 September, 3pm
Yeomans Community Stadium, Longmead, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, TN10 3JF
Match Tickets
Adult: £18
Concession/Senior 65+: £15
Youth 12-17: £8
Under 12: FREE
Purchase tickets for Tonbridge Angels vs Ramsgate
This game is not segregated. It is NOT all ticket and supporters can pay on the turnstile. However, this will be a busy game and for speed of entry into the stadium we urge fans of both clubs to buy in advance.
Ramsgate supporters aged between 14 and 17 who are attending without an adult must purchase the correct Away Youth 12-17 (Without Adult) ticket online through TicketCo before the match. This ticket will not be available to purchase at the turnstiles.
This requirement will apply to away supporters aged 14-17 attending without an adult at all home fixtures moving forward.
By Car
Longmead is located on Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, TN10 3JF. Supporters travelling via the M25 should join the A21 towards Hastings before following signs for Tonbridge. The ground is well signposted locally, with parking available at the stadium.
By Train
Tonbridge railway station is approximately a 40-minute walk from Longmead, with taxis also available from the town centre.
Post Match Entertainment
Within minutes of the final whistle sounding, the first chords will be struck by More T Vicar. Whoever you support, you are welcome to enjoy the fun so stick around, enjoy the music, have a pint or two and soak up the post match atmosphere.
