TT PREVIEW
Steve Harris – @steveharris84
Match details: Tonbridge Angels versus Torquay United, FA Trophy 3rd Round
Venue: Longmead Stadium, Tonbridge
Date: Saturday 18th December 2021
Kick-off: 3pm
Top scorers:
Tonbridge Angels: Joe Turner (5)
Torquay: Armani Little (9)
Gulls’ all-time record in the FA Trophy:
2007-08 Runners-up L Ebbsfleet United
2008-09 Round two L Southport
2014-15 Semi-finals L Wrexham
2015-16 Quarter finals L Bognor Regis
2016-17 Round one L Braintree Town
2017-18 Round one L Maidstone United
2018-19 Round one L Boreham Wood
2019-20 Round two L FC Halifax Town
2020-21 Quarter finals L Woking
Tonbridge Angels fact file:
Year founded: 1947
Nickname: The Angels
Last season’s league finish: National League South declared null and void
Tonbridge Angels notable honours:
National Step Three Super Play-off winners: 2018-19
Isthmian Premier Division Play-off winners: 2018-19
Notable former players: Malcolm McDonald, Ron Saunders, Roy Hodgson
Manager: Steve McKimm
Steve McKimm was appointed Tonbridge Angels manager in May 2014 after spending two years as Head Coach at Sutton United under Paul Doswell. As a central midfielder Steve represented Hayes, Kingstonian, and Ebbsfleet United with distinction before joining Sutton in May 2008. He guided the Angels to a Bostik Ryman Premier Play-off semi-final spot in the 2015-16 campaign, the Emirates FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round in 2016-17 and promotion to Vanarama National South – via the Isthmian Premier play-offs – in 2018-19.
Player to watch: Ricky Modeste
A player with plenty of pedigree at non-league level, who is also a Grenadian international, Ricky Modeste appeared for the youth sides at Charlton Athletic, Arsenal, and Rushden & Diamonds, before graduating to men’s football with Chelmsford City.
Although he appeared most recently for Billericay Town, it was with Dover Athletic where he has arguably enjoyed the best years of his career so far. In his two spells at the Crabble he amassed around 200 appearances with over 30 goals. He is fondly remembered by Whites supporters for scoring twice in their 2013/14 Conference South play off semi-final win against Sutton United and he then set up Nathan Elder for the winner against Ebbsfleet United in the final. His international career has seen him turn out for Grenada on eight occasions, scoring twice for the Spice Boys.
MODESTE STATS:
Position: Right Winger
Date of Birth: 20th February 1988 – 33 Years Old
Birthplace: Dagenham
International: Grenada (8 Caps, 2 Goals)
Former Clubs: Charlton Athletic, Arsenal, Rushden and Diamonds, Waltham Forest, Chelmsford City, Witham Town, Dover Athletic, Billericay Town, Dartford.
National League Stats 21-22: Played 13, Goals 1, Yellow/Red Cards 4/0
Old Boys:
Tonbridge Angels: None
Torquay United: None
Probable line-up:
Tonbridge Angels (3-4-3):
Jonathan Henly
Jerry O’Sullivan – Jamie Fielding – Sonny Miles
Tom Beere – Harry Hudson – Adam Lovett – Joe Turner
Aaron Smith-Joseph – Tommy Wood – Jake Embery
Torquay United (3-5-2):
Shaun MacDonald
Ben Wynter – Joe Lewis -Dean Moxey
Jack Sparkes – Asa Hall – Armani Little – Tom Lapslie – Dan Martin
Sinclair Armstrong – Klaidi Lolos
TT Pre-Match Talking Points:
How seriously will Gary take the competition?
Will CLE make a return to the line-up?
Is the much-maligned Mark Halstead finally in line for a recall?
Q&A with Angels supporter Stuart Jenner:
Hi Stuart, how long have you followed the Angels?
Since 1972-73 season, so I will soon celebrate 50 years of disillusionment.
How’s the teams season been so far?
So far so good enough. Every point gained is another step closer to staying up.
What’s been the highlights up to this point?
Drawing Torquay United – as you must be aware we’ve only played against your reserves before. Shame it’s not away though.
Which players should we look out for tomorrow?
Not sure I should answer this one! Fan favourite Joe Turner who has an eye for goal.
Who’s the manager at Angels?
Steve McKimm. Been here for years and knows the level very well.
What sort of crowd are the club expecting for this match?
Hard to say just before Christmas and with Covid. If you bring a few we might get 800 to a thousand.
Tell us some interesting facts about the club and its history?
We are called Tonbridge Angels because we originally played at the Angel Ground. Notable former players include Malcolm MacDonald and Roy Hodgson.
Is there any suitable places nearby for the travelling yellow army to grab pre-match food and drinks?
It’s quite a hike from the station. I’m going to the Beer Seller on the High Street and The Nelson Arms where there’s a Winter Beer Festival. See some of you there.
And finally give us a prediction for the trophy game?
I expect you’ll win – as long as it doesn’t go to penalties. Nobody like that. However there’s always hope. Last season we lost to Hornchurch and they won the final.
Other Articles:
PRE-MATCH TALKING POINTS – TONBRIDGE ANGELS (A) by Danny Burnell
TORQUAYTALK 