Tonbridge Angels manager Jay Saunders moved by club’s tribute to Devonte Aransibia who died last week aged 26

Jay Saunders described Tonbridge’s tribute to Devonte Aransibia as one of his most emotional days in football.

Angels dedicated their National League South home game against Truro on Saturday to the memory of Aransibia, who died last week aged 26.

The midfielder’s parents and partner were among family members in attendance at Longmead as the club and fans paid tribute to their former player.

A bucket collection raised £900, while supporters had a special banner made up and sang Aransibia’s name during the 1-0 defeat.

“It was probably one of the most emotional things I’ve been involved in in football,” said Angels boss Saunders.

“It was a good send-off for him and I think the club and everyone did the best they could.

“His parents came down - his dad used to come to all our home games - and his partner and some of his other family were there.

“It was just a shame we couldn’t get three points for him but the day went as well as could be expected.”

Saunders concedes it will be difficult to make the play-offs after his injury-hit side suffered a third straight defeat.

All three losses have been by a single goal, against teams chasing promotion, and have seen Tonbridge drop to 13th place, 12 points off the top seven with 13 games to go.

The manager can’t help wondering what might have been had they not suffered so many injuries.

“It’s just injury after injury,” said Saunders, whose side visit Enfield this Saturday (3pm).

“It’s frustrating more than anything that we can’t seem to get our strongest side out.

“We’re only losing these games narrowly and you’d like to think if we had everyone available, we’d have had a good chance.

“This past month has been one of the most frustrating I’ve ever had in football.

“We had a couple on