TT PREVIEW

Dom Roman – @DomRoman

ON THE ROAD

It’s safe to say expectations were high for a big explosive performance from the Gulls last Saturday, and with a big crowd watching on, the team failed to deliver. There was some bad luck of course, Westendorf’s second half header should have stood, and the referee lost control of the game, but all in all United just have to play with more cohesion and purpose, something that can be difficult at the start of the season (despite playing what felt like an enormous number of friendlies!). Whilst there was disappointment, there is also another fixture to right some wrongs and show what this Jimmy Ball managed team is all about. That takes us onto Angels (a).

TACTICS

My esteemed TT colleague Chris Wade often talks about the structure of teams, and finding a harmonious balance between attack and defence. Last Saturday’s tactics were interesting from Jimmy, and he clearly wanted to give Moore and Westendorf the chance to gel upfront, but overall it made the team feel disjointed, with the width of the pitch not used enough, the midfield often too far back and Horsham winning many of the physical battles as we went frustratingly long to the strikers. It seemed like we had a lovely balance at the end of last season, and whilst Jordan Young was not available, I do wonder why 4-3-3 would not be trusted again, and it’s been a long time since a strike-force combination worked well at Plainmoor. We’ll see if the tactics are tinkered with at Tonbridge.

THE LINE-UP

Harry Shield gave a good account of himself last Saturday and fired across some nice crosses, but it would be a surprise if Jordan Young isn’t reinstated on the right hand side this weekend. Youngy had a mixed end to the 2025-26 season, cutting a frustrated figure at times as the goals dried up. His goal contribution figures were still fantastic though, and it shouldn’t be forgotten how many memorable moments he’s given us during his time at United. He’d make the first eleven of any other team in the division I reckon, and he’d certainly make mine! We’ve also got players like Jordan Dyer, Matt Jay, Dan Hayfield, Louis Dennis, Callum Morton and Dylan Morgan who give us a range of abilities (they would also walk into many NLS teams!). Morgan’s pace and ability on the counter can be lethal especially, so I can see him finding a place in the team as well. Decisions, decisions Jimmy!

DISCIPLINE

We lost our cool last Saturday, getting involved in altercations around the field, with Dom Bernard blowing his top after a challenge involving the Horsham winger. The scrappiness of the fixture suited Horsham perfectly, and in the end United resorted to hopeful long balls in an attempt to win the 3 points. Tonbridge will not be easy and I’m sure they’ll be looking forward to another chance to turn us over, so keeping our composure and playing our football is all important. The squad definitely has the quality footballers to send the Yellow Army home happy.

THE OPPOSITION

Alan Dunne’s Angels had a stellar start to the campaign, thrashing Braintree 4-0. Dunne was formerly assistant to Andy Woodman at Bromley, helping Woodman to turn them into a competitive EFL outfit. Ex-Maidstone attacker Jephte Tanga scored a brace against Braintree, and ex-Woking and Sutton (amongst others) winger Ricky Korboa also stands out as someone who could cause us problems. This will be a good test of our away days mentality and ability to grab a win against tricky opposition, let’s hope for a bounce back victory to really get this new season rocking.