Tonbridge Angels manager Jay Saunders explains what’s pleased him most about their unbeaten start in National League South

Jay Saunders is seeing a tougher side to his Tonbridge team this season.

The Angels are unbeaten after three games of the National League South campaign.

After beating Weymouth at home on the opening day, they drew 2-2 at Aveley on Saturday and 1-1 at Chelmsford on Monday.

Two games in three days, against sides who made last season’s play-offs, would test anyone but Tonbridge were up to the task.

“I think last year we went to Aveley and Chelmsford and got rolled over quite easily,” said boss Saunders.

“We had a bit of a soft underbelly but I feel we’re a bit tougher this year and have a bit more knowhow.

“Although we’ve still got a young squad I’ve been pleased we’ve gone to Chelmsford on a Monday night where they’ve thrown everything at us and we’ve stood up to it.

“I think we’ve got a good group and the competition is a big thing because it pushes people on.

“When you looked at the bench last year, you kind of knew you were playing every week.

“Now we’ve got that competition and the atmosphere is really good.

“The boys seem close, which is a positive.

“They want to learn and I think we’ll get better.

“After five or six games I think we’ll really get going but hopefully we can keep picking up points and keep growing as a group.”

Liam Vincent and Sean Shields scored as Tonbridge twice came from a goal down to draw at Aveley.

Defender Vincent scored again at Chelmsford but the hosts earned a point in the second half.

Tonbridge look to continue their promising start to the season at home to Bath on Saturday.

That’s followed by a trip to pace-setters Farnborough on Bank Holiday Monday (both 3pm).

“I’d like to have a couple more points on the board but all in all I think it’s nice to be unbeaten,” said Saunders.

“Someone