The Emirates FA Cup returns to The Yeomans Community Stadium, Longmead on Saturday, and a place in the Fourth Qualifying Round is on the line.
Tonbridge Angels welcome Torquay United in the Third Qualifying Round, with kick-off at 3pm, and both sides just one win away from the competition’s final qualifying stage.
The fixture needs little introduction. Torquay have already visited Angels this season, leaving Kent with a 2-1 league victory in August, which followed the same scoreline at the same venue on our final game of last season.
Manager’s Thoughts
Angels boss Alan Dunne said: “First up, you always want to be drawn at home in the Cup, and so from that perspective I was pleased with the draw, but we know how tough it’s going to be. That said, we can hold our own with any teams in our league, and we fear no one.
“I can’t tell you how much I want to deliver a good Cup run for this club.
“This competition is so special to me and being part of the Millwall squad which reached the final in 2004 and played Manchester United is an experience I will never forget.”
The FA Cup So Far
The Angels began their FA Cup campaign in the Second Qualifying Round against Ramsgate, eventually overcoming a determined challenge from the Isthmian Premier Division side.
Ramsgate took the lead from the penalty spot before Jephte Tanga levelled for Tonbridge, with the visitors then reduced to ten men shortly before half-time. The breakthrough finally arrived eight minutes from time when Tanga found Bunmi Babajide, who scored to secure a 2-1 victory and Tonbridge’s place in Saturday’s tie.
Torquay entered at the same stage and enjoyed a considerably more comfortable afternoon against AFC Stoneham. The Gulls ran out 6-1 winners at home to book their trip to Kent and set up an all-National League South tie in the Third Qualifying Round.
Familiar Opposition
There will be no need for either side to spend too long getting reacquainted on Saturday.
Torquay were the first visitors to Longmead in the league this season, arriving on 15 August and leaving with all three points after a 2-1 victory.
It continued a competitive recent record between the clubs. Torquay have won three of the last five meetings, while the Angels’ victory during that period memorably came at Plainmoor last December, when Tonbridge returned from Devon with a 2-1 win.
15 August 2026: Tonbridge Angels 1-2 Torquay United
25 April 2026: Tonbridge Angels 1-2 Torquay United
6 December 2025: Torquay United 1-2 Tonbridge Angels
8 March 2025: Tonbridge Angels 0-1 Torquay United
9 November 2024: Torquay United 0-0 Tonbridge Angels
Saturday will be the sixth meeting between the clubs in less than two years, but the first of those with an FA Cup run at stake.
The Opposition
Torquay make the journey to Kent sitting 13th in the Enterprise National League South, one place and one point behind Maidenhead United and four places below the Angels. Their opening ten league matches have brought three victories, four draws and three defeats, with 13 goals scored and 14 conceded.
Their most recent outing ended in a 3-0 defeat away at Billericay Town last Saturday.
League form, however, takes a back seat this weekend. Both clubs know exactly what is at stake, and with the Fourth Qualifying Round waiting for the winners, Saturday has all the ingredients for a proper FA Cup afternoon at Longmead.
Supporter Information
Kick-Off
Saturday 3 October, 3pm
Yeomans Community Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, TN10 3JF
Match Tickets
All supporters attending Saturday’s fixture, including Tonbridge Angels season ticket holders, will need to purchase a match ticket.
The game is not all-ticket, and supporters can pay at the turnstiles on the day. However, we strongly recommend buying online in advance to help speed up entry to the stadium.
Buy Angels vs Torquay United tickets.
No Segregation
There will be no segregation in place for Saturday’s fixture.
Tonbridge and Torquay supporters have built a positive relationship over recent meetings and, as has become customary when the sides meet at Longmead, supporters are welcome to swap ends at half-time.
We look forward to welcoming travelling Gulls supporters back to Kent.
Food, Drink and Live Music
Supporters are encouraged to arrive early and make a day of Saturday’s FA Cup occasion.
The Meadow Tree Marquee will be open for drinks, with resident band More T Vicar providing live music before and after the match. The Angels Sports Bar and all of our food outlets will also be open.
The Marquee is open to supporters of both clubs.
Match Programmes
Supporters wishing to purchase a printed match programme must order their copy in advance.
This applies to supporters of both Tonbridge Angels and Torquay United, with pre-ordered programmes available to collect from the club shop on matchday.
Pre-order your Match Programme here.
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.
Looking Ahead
This is the sort of Saturday the FA Cup is made for.
Two familiar National League South sides, live music before and after the game and 90 minutes, or perhaps a little more, to decide whose cup journey continues.
The Angels have recent memories of what can happen when a qualifying run gathers momentum. Two seasons ago, Angels reached the First Round Proper and welcomed Harborough Town to Longmead in front of a record crowd before crashing out. Last season, the journey ended in the fourth qualifying round against Kent neighbours, Chatham Town.
Come down, get behind the Angels and be part of another FA Cup afternoon at Longmead.
