Tonbridge Angels preview

The Blues welcome Tonbridge Angels to the Harry Abrahams Stadium on Saturday afternoon for a 3pm kick off, for what should be an exciting game between two teams who have had positive starts to the season. Saturday 23rd August 2014 was the very first time they faced each other, with Wingate winning comfortably 2-0, the goals coming from David Knight and Tommy Tejan-Sie. The latter still an integral part of the side, will be looking forward to playing against Tonbridge as he also scored in the away fixture, as Wingate won 2-1. Steve McKimm's men travel to Wingate & Finchley having not lost away yet this season; from games against Enfield Town, Bognor Regis Town and Harrow Borough, they have won two and drawn the latter. With an aggregate score of 23 goals scored and only 7 conceded, they come into this game in fine form and with sky high confidence, having just come off a 7-0 home win against VCD Athletic on Bank Holiday Monday. Simon Lane's men however will prove to be an extremely stern test as his side has had an impressive run of results, in which new summer signing Billy Healey, already with 5 goals has contributed massively. From six games in the league, they've only dropped two points in the home draw to Staines, whilst winning an impressive 16 points from a possible 18. The team have been playing immaculate football and have been able to express their ability, playing in a way that emulates the ethos of the club. Tonbridge Angels have the Ryman Premier division top goalscorer in their ranks, Luke Blewden, who has scored an impressive 7 goals already so far this season. However that's not the only player that Wingate will be wary of, with Nathan Elder being an integral part of their system and Thomas Parkinson, who has chipped in with 4 already from midfield. Conceivably this is the strongest team Wingate have possessed, and have leaders all over the park led by the defensive general and captain, Marc Weatherstone who has been immense at the back. The defence has been resolute even when going down to 10 men at times this season, although what has been evident this season is how the defending starts from the front. With a midfield consisting of Tommy Tejan-Sie, Martel Powell and Karl Oliyide, Wingate will fancy their chances against any side in the division. Tonbridge having spent three seasons in the Blue Square South, the clubs highest ever position in the non league game, will be aiming to get back there after the disappointment of failing to go straight back up last season. Wingate's aim will be to solidify and better last seasons finish which was their highest ever league position, beginning with another victory against Tonbridge. Expect there to be moments in the game for both sides, and although both managers have publicly down played their sides chances of a play-off position, they will be quietly confident of achieving that feat. Match Preview by Khalid Karimullah