Tonbridge Angels boss Steve McKimm eager to secure National League South survival sooner rather than later ahead of trip to Chelmsford City

Steve McKimm is eager to see Tonbridge secure National League South survival sooner rather than later.

There is a busy period ahead for Angels, who began a run of six matches in all competitions in 18 days with a goalless draw at Hampton on Tuesday.

Tonbridge are 17th, seven points clear of basement boys Welling, having beaten the Wings 1-0 last weekend.

Plans for a 3G pitch to be put in at Longmead in time for next season were given the green light last week and the Angels boss admits it’s crucial the club don’t go down.

Angels manager McKimm said: “I spoke to the chairman (Dave Netherstreet) before the game (on Saturday), and I’m under pressure because I’ve got to keep the club in the league.

“With all the good work going on behind the scenes, I need to keep this club in the league, and my players need to keep this club in the league.

“We may be seven points clear but it changes in a week. We are playing six games in 18 days.

“So the quicker we can get the points we need, the better for us.”

In-form striker Tommy Wood scored the only goal as Angels beat Welling and, while he wasn’t able to add to his tally in midweek, his record of 12 goals in their past 17 matches is still an impressive one.

McKimm is delighted to see ex-AFC Wimbledon man Wood, who had only scored once prior to Christmas, come good.

“He has put the ball in the back of the net, that’s the only thing he has done differently,” said McKimm, whose team are at 19th-placed Chelmsford this Saturday.

“He was getting chances before. He wasn’t snatching at them or anything like that, it just wasn’t going for him.

“If you keep persevering, times will change for you. That’s whether you are a forward, defender or a goalkeeper. All you have to do is keep doing the