Following another dramatic week at Plainmoor, all eyes will be back on the pitch tomorrow, as United head to Kent to take on Tonbridge Angels.
With last Saturday’s excellent 4-1 home win over Dartford being overtaken by events on and off the field in midweek, Aaron Downes’ side will now be determined to turn the focus back on to a string end to the season, and bounce back from the surprise 0-3 defeat against Taunton with a return to winning ways on their travels on Saturday.
Who’s the Boss?
Jay Saunders has been in the Angels dugout since May 2022, after previously managing Margate and Maidstone United.
It was with was with the latter side that he enjoyed his first real taste of success, as he led them from the Isthmian South to the National League in just four seasons.
Saunders’ playing career saw him play for the likes of Margate, Ebbsfleet, Lewes and Maidstone, before hanging up his boots in 2013.
How have they been doing?
Having eyed up a place in the Play-Offs at various points during the current campaign, it now looks likely that the Angels will once again be plying their trade in tier six again next term, with Saunders’ men currently firmly rooted in a mid-table position.
Their record of 49 points from 39 games in admirable enough, with victories over the likes of Bath City evidence of their ability to mix it with the leading sides in the division on their day.
Like The Gulls, they will be looking for a response tomorrow, following a 2-1 defeat at Aveley on Monday night.
Player to Watch
Tonbridge fans were delighted with the news earlier this week that skipper Scott Wagstaff has agreed to prolong his stay at Longmead Stadium, having agreed new terms for 2024/25.
After a brief trial at Plainmoor, Scott arrived in Kent in October 2022, and at 33 years old, the wealth of experience he gained in making over 30o appearances in the EFL with the likes of Charlton, Bristol City, Gillingham and AFC Wimbledon has been a huge bonus for his younger teammates, and will no doubt be hoping to lead his side to a notable victory tomorrow.
Played for Both
Ryan Hanson switched Devon for Kent earlier this year, having been at Plainmoor since arriving from Dover in the summer of 2022.
Having seen his pathway to the first-team at Crystal Palace and Hull City blocked, a move to hometown club Dover saw his form culminate in being awarded the captain’s armband, and after an eye-catching performance against The Gulls, former United manager Gary Johnson wasted little time in unveiling Hanson as one of his raft of pre-season recruits some eighteen months ago.
A number of injuries sadly curtailed Ryan’s progress at Plainmoor, however he remained a committed and popular member of the Torquay squad, yet despite that, will surely be looking to show The Gulls what they are missing out on at his new home on Saturday.
Previous Encounter
United’s last visit to Tonbridge saw them bow out of the FA Trophy at 3rd Round stage, following a 2-1 defeat at Longmead.
Joe Turner gave the hosts an early lead, before Danny Wright levelled things up later in the first half. Although The Gulls went close to getting their noses in front in the second half, it was a late winner from Ibrahim Olutade that eventually saw Angels run out winners of the tie.