Tonbridge Angels manager Alan Dunne discusses this weekend’s local derby against Maidstone United

Tonbridge manager Alan Dunne makes Maidstone favourites in this weekend’s derby - but knows his side are capable of giving anyone a game.

Angels are showing that week after week in a competitive National League South and have already beaten their local rivals once this season.

Sean Shields was the hero that day as a 98th-minute strike earned a 2-1 win at the Gallagher Stadium, while Tonbridge also won at Torquay by the same scoreline.

They pushed big-spending Chelmsford all the way on Monday night, where only a wonder strike from ex-Football League striker Lyle Taylor separated the sides in a 1-0 defeat.

They went into that match having achieved back-to-back league victories for the first time under Dunne, winning 3-2 at Slough last weekend to follow up a 4-1 thrashing of AFC Totton at home.

Now it’s on to derby day as Tonbridge attempt to complete the double over their nearest rivals at a packed Longmead this Saturday (3pm).

“We hadn’t beaten Maidstone at their place for I don’t know how long,” said Dunne, who had only been in charge a matter of weeks that day.

“It was great to be part of that in such a short time and realise how big the derby is.

“They’ll be looking to even it up and they’ll go into it as favourites.

“I watched them on Tuesday night against Ebbsfleet and they were excellent, beating one of the in-form teams 3-0.

“We’re in no doubt how difficult a game it will be but it’s a derby, it’s a great game for our supporters and for their supporters.

“It’ll be a great atmosphere and if the energy is as good as it was in the away game, it’ll be an electric day.

“It’s one we’re looking forward to but at the end of the day it’s still three points up for grabs and that’s the most important thing, whether it’s