Tonbridge Angels face a quick turnaround after Saturday as Walton & Hersham visit the Yeomans Community Stadium tomorrow in the Enterprise National League South. Kick-off is at 3pm.
The Angels return to Longmead after battling back twice to earn a 2-2 draw away at Billericay Town yesterday. Jaden Brown cancelled out an opening-minute goal from the hosts before the Essex side restored their advantage ahead of the break, with Bailey Akehurst also seeing a penalty go begging late in the first half.
Jephte Tanga struck his fourth league goal of the season after the break to bring Tonbridge level for a second time and secure a point at New Lodge.
The result leaves Alan Dunne’s side ninth in the early league table ahead of Monday’s return to home soil.
Manager’s Thoughts
Alan Dunne said: “It’s a really quick turnaround for Monday but it’s the same for everyone and we operate a ‘no excuse’ culture here. It will be another really tough game against Walton and Hersham who will be desperate to prove they have the right to be in this league. We can’t give soft goals away like we did against Billericay and so the first thing we’ll be aiming for is a clean sheet.”
Previous Meetings
Meetings between Tonbridge Angels and Walton & Hersham have been few and far between, with the two clubs rarely finding themselves competing in the same division.
The most recent encounter came in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round in September 2024, when the Angels secured a 2-1 victory at Longmead.
The sides also crossed paths during the 2005/06 season, with the Angels recording a win and a draw across their two meetings, while you have to go all the way back to the 1982/83 FA Cup First Qualifying Round for another competitive encounter, which Tonbridge won 2-0.
The Opposition
Walton & Hersham arrive at Longmead looking for their first points of the season following a difficult start to life in the Enterprise National League South.
The Swans have lost each of their opening five league fixtures, beginning with a 5-1 defeat away at Folkestone Invicta. That was followed by defeats against Maidstone United, Dagenham & Redbridge and Chesham United before Saturday’s 4-1 home defeat against Dorking Wanderers.
Monday’s visitors earned promotion from the Southern League Premier South last season and currently sit bottom of the Enterprise National League South.
Expect some familiar names in The Swans line-up with ex-Angels Marcus Sablier, Tobi Omole and brief loan signing Sam German all now plying their trade at Waterside Drive.
Supporter Information
Kick-Off
Kick-off at Longmead is at 3pm, with gates opening from 1pm.
Match Tickets
Adults: £18
Concessions/Seniors 65+: £15
Youth 12-17: £8
Under 12s: Free
The concession ticket also includes one disabled supporter and their carer.
Tickets can be purchased in advance ahead of Monday’s game.
Buy Tonbridge Angels v Walton & Hersham tickets
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
Seven points from the opening five games leave Angels ninth in the early Enterprise National League South table ahead of the second game of a busy Bank Holiday weekend.
While still very early in the campaign, victory on Monday could see Tonbridge move into the play-off places depending on results elsewhere.
Having twice shown the character to come from behind and earn a point at Billericay, attention now turns to securing a first home victory of the season as Walton & Hersham make the trip to Longmead.
Image by: LMH Photography
