TT PREVIEW

Chris Wade – @tufcchris

IMPORTANCE OF THE CUP

With our record in recent years in Cup competitions, this year’s Cup exploits almost feel more vital. It started well two weeks ago with the 6-1 home win against AFC Stoneham, but the third qualifying round seems to have thrown an altogether different challenge, with a trip to Kent to view fellow National League South opponents Tonbridge for the second time this season and third time in six months. And after last week’s awful 3-0 reverse at Billericay, it has taken on even more importance.

LOOKING FOR DEFENSIVE STABILITY

One of the features of the season so far has been the disruption in selection at the back. 7 different central defensive pairings in 10 NLS games have led to inconsistent results and new worries. Last week’s pairing of Taylor Scarff and new boy Luke Browne struggled in a difficult away day reverse at Billericay. Jimmy Ball will hope to have the returning Jake Wannell from injury, suspension and paternity leave (Congratulations Jake) and Dare Olufunwa. Getting a settled pairing in front of Toby Savin feels important to defensive stability and a good result this weekend.

MIDFIELD STRUCTURE

Jimmy Ball openly criticised the midfield last weekend, which included returning skipper Matt Worthington. It was perhaps little bit of a surprise to see both Nash Sundire and Dan Hayfield omitted from the starting eleven. I think we need to get a consistent pairing and go with it. There have too many combinations so far and we need some players to gel in there now. It’s such an important area of the pitch.

FEAST OR FAMINE ON THE ROAD

Our league record looks very odd at present. Draws have been a massive issue at Plainmoor with 4 out of 5, but it’s been win or lose on our travels with 2 wins and 3 defeats. Saturday’s cup fixture means a draw would see a reply at Plainmoor. Whilst we don’t want another game in an ideal world, it’s better than losing. The dynamic of this weekend is interesting, but getting through is massive for so many reasons.

THE OPPOSITION

For the third time in 2026 we head to Tonbridge, and looking for our third 2-1 win of the year also. Winning is everything in the FA Cup and we head there to meet an opposition that has also been inconsistent so far. Bouncing back from last weekend will be at the forefront of everybody’s minds, and being one game from the first-round proper by 1700 on Saturday is quite the prize.