First against third. The A26 Derby. Under the lights at the Yeomans Community Stadium.
Tonbridge Angels welcome Maidstone United to Longmead on Tuesday evening for one of the standout fixtures of the Enterprise National League South season so far. Kick-off is at 7:45pm.
There is rarely much needed to add extra significance when these two sides meet, but the early league table has done exactly that. Maidstone arrive sitting top after seven matches, while the Angels are just three points behind in third following an excellent start of their own.
The rivalry between the two clubs stretches back generations, with plenty of memorable meetings along the way. Ahead of Tuesday night’s latest chapter, we have taken a look back through the history of the A26 Derby, from the meetings between the old Tonbridge Football Club and Maidstone through to the modern-day rivalry.
Read: The A26 Derby: A Rivalry Through the Years
Manager’s Thoughts
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Last Time Out
The Angels return to Longmead following another hugely impressive afternoon on the road, with Saturday’s 4-0 victory at Farnborough continuing an outstanding start away from home.
Tonbridge were in control throughout in Hampshire, scoring twice in each half on their way to a convincing victory. It means Alan Dunne’s side remain unbeaten across their opening four league trips, winning three and drawing one.
Saturday’s result lifted the Angels to third in the table after seven matches, setting up an early-season meeting between two sides occupying places at the very top end of the division.
Recent Meetings
Recent meetings between the Angels and the Stones have been closely contested, with very little separating the sides.
Tonbridge enjoyed a memorable trip to the Gallagher Stadium last November, winning 2-1 after a dramatic late goal from Sean Shields. The return league fixture at Longmead ended 1-1 in January before the sides met again in April, this time at Priestfield in the Kent Senior Cup Final, where Maidstone came away with a 2-0 victory.
22 April 2026: Maidstone United 2-0 Tonbridge Angels
31 January 2026: Tonbridge Angels 1-1 Maidstone United
1 November 2025: Maidstone United 1-2 Tonbridge Angels
21 April 2025: Maidstone United 1-1 Tonbridge Angels
26 December 2024: Tonbridge Angels 1-2 Maidstone United
The Opposition
Maidstone United arrive at Longmead sitting top of the Enterprise National League South after an impressive opening seven matches.
The Stones began the campaign with a 2-1 home defeat against Farnborough but have not lost since. A 3-0 victory at Walton & Hersham was followed by a 1-1 draw against Folkestone Invicta before Maidstone put together four consecutive victories.
Wins against Dorking Wanderers and Salisbury were followed by a 4-1 victory at Hampton & Richmond Borough, before Saturday’s 1-0 win against Weston-super-Mare maintained their strong start.
That leaves Maidstone with five wins, one draw and one defeat from seven matches, scoring 15 goals and conceding seven to sit top of the table with 16 points.
There will also be no shortage of familiar faces on Tuesday night. Sam Corne, Nathan Harness, Jephte Tanga, Lamar Reynolds and Lexus Beeden have all previously represented Maidstone before making the move across Kent to Tonbridge, while Alfie Pavey has also played for both clubs during his career.
Heading in the opposite direction during the summer was Tom Leahy, who joined Maidstone after scoring 10 goals in 23 appearances for the Angels last season.
Supporter Information
A large crowd is expected at Longmead on Tuesday evening and the fixture is fully segregated and all-ticket.
Kick-off is at 7:45pm, with turnstiles opening at 6pm.
Tonbridge Angels supporters should enter through the South turnstiles, while Maidstone United supporters should use the North turnstiles. Season tickets and reserved seats are valid for the fixture.
Supporters are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance and arrive at the stadium in plenty of time.
Home supporters will have access to the Sports Bar, Tea Hut, Pie Shack and Bar 48. Maidstone supporters will have access to Fries Like An Angel and The Can Bar. Card payments are preferred throughout Longmead.
Parking will be available on a first come, first served basis, with the car park closing once capacity is reached.
Matchday programmes can be pre-ordered until midnight on Monday. Maidstone supporters pre-ordering a programme should state that they are an away supporter when placing their order, with programmes available to collect at the turnstiles or from the Can Bar.
Tonbridge Angels have also introduced a new, free Angels Youth Membership Scheme for supporters aged between 14 and 17 who wish to attend home matches without an adult. Angels supporters are encouraged to register as soon as possible, with the scheme becoming a requirement from our home fixture against Ebbsfleet United on 26 September.
Maidstone supporters aged 14 to 17 attending Tuesday’s fixture without an adult must show their club youth membership ID alongside a valid match ticket. All supporters under the age of 14 must attend with a parent or adult.
Full details of Tuesday evening’s matchday arrangements, including segregation, entry, food and drink and parking, can be found in our dedicated supporter information.
For supporters unable to attend, the A26 Derby will also be broadcast live on DAZN through National League TV.
Looking Ahead
It may only be seven games into the campaign, but Tuesday night’s A26 Derby brings together two of the division’s early frontrunners.
Maidstone arrive at Longmead top of the table with 16 points, while Saturday’s victory at Farnborough moved the Angels into third on 13. With just three points separating the sides, there is an added edge to a fixture that rarely needs one.
Tonbridge have scored 17 goals across their opening seven matches and return home with confidence high following another excellent performance on the road. Maidstone, meanwhile, arrive having won four league matches in succession.
The A26 Derby rarely needs anything extra riding on it. With first against third under the lights at Longmead, this one has plenty.
We look forward to welcoming both sets of supporters on Tuesday evening.
