A new Enterprise National League South season gets underway on Saturday as Tonbridge Angels travel to the Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium to face Braintree Town. Kick-off is at 3pm.
Both sides start the new season looking to build on contrasting 2025/26 campaigns. The Angels secured a 14th-place finish, while relegated Braintree would see themselves returning to Step 2 after a two-year spell in the National League.
Tonbridge will head to Essex with confidence after enjoying one of the division’s strongest away records last time out. The Angels finished sixth in the away form table and boasted the fourth-best defensive record on their travels.
Manager Alan Dunne says preparations have gone well ahead of the new season, with the squad eager to get the new season underway.
“We’re really excited and looking forward to the game. Pre-season always seems to go on for a long time, so I think the boys are just excited to get the season started. We’ve done our preparation this week and, although we know Braintree will be a strong side, we’re ready for the challenge.”
The Angels head into the new season having completed six pre-season fixtures, recording victories over Biggleswade, Dulwich Hamlet, Eastbourne Borough and Wingate & Finchley, alongside a draw against Sittingbourne and defeats to Sutton United and Cray Wanderers.
There has also been plenty of activity in the transfer market. Former Maidstone United captain Sam Corne headlines the arrivals, bringing leadership, quality and an eye for goal from midfield.
Ethan Sutcliffe has made his return permanent after four successful loan spells with the club, while goalkeeper Nathan Harness, wing-back Harvey Lintott, midfielder Harry Gardner, winger Jephte Tanga and striker Lamar Reynolds have all added further quality to Alan Dunne’s squad.
Dunne has been pleased with what he has seen from his changed squad throughout pre-season and believes there is plenty to be optimistic about heading into 2026/27.
“We’ve got a young squad with plenty of energy and attacking threat. The players are hungry, they’re a good group and I think we’ve improved on last season. Now it’s about putting everything together and seeing where our strengths are.”
The experienced Tony Craig has also joined the coaching staff ahead of the new campaign, while several fan favourites have committed their futures by re-signing for the 2026/27 season.
Team News
The Angels will be without midfielder Brad Williams after he suffered a fractured lateral malleolus during last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Wingate & Finchley. Everyone at the club wishes Brad a full and speedy recovery.
Despite the setback, Alan Dunne is confident his squad has the depth to cope, insisting the players are ready to step up when called upon.
Recent Meetings
Recent encounters between the two sides have been closely contested.
Tonbridge are without a goal in their last three meetings with Braintree, with their most recent victory coming in January 2020.
20 February 2024: Braintree Town 1-0 Tonbridge Angels
5 September 2023: Tonbridge Angels 0-0 Braintree Town
28 January 2023: Tonbridge Angels 0-0 Braintree Town
27 August 2022: Braintree Town 2-0 Tonbridge Angels
The Opposition
Braintree Town will be determined to make a positive start on their return to the National League South after relegation last season, recruiting 11 new players over the summer break as they looked to reshape their squad.
Their pre-season schedule produced one win, one draw and three defeats, but the opening day always brings renewed optimism and they’ll be hoping to begin the season with three points in front of their home supporters.
Supporter Information
Kick-Off
3:00pm
Match Tickets
Adults: £18
Concessions: £14
Under 18s: £8
By Car: Leave the M25 at Junction 27 and head north on the M11. Exit at Junction 8 and join the A120 eastbound. Continue on the A120 for approximately 16 miles until you reach Galley’s Corner roundabout, with McDonald’s on your right. Take the first exit onto Cressing Road. The entrance to the Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium is approximately three-quarters of a mile along on the left via Clockhouse Way and is clearly signposted.
By Train: The nearest station is Braintree, approximately a 20-minute walk from the ground. Leave the station via Rose Hill before continuing through The Yard and Rose Hill Park. Turn right onto Lakes Road, left onto Chapel Hill, then follow Clockhouse Way to the stadium.
With a new season comes a fresh opportunity, and the Angels will be looking to make a positive start when they take to the field at the Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Safe travels to everyone making the journey to Essex, and we’ll see you there.
