Tonbridge Angels manager Jay Saunders reacts to 2-1 win at Ebbsfleet United in National League South

Tonbridge manager Jay Saunders saw his team end Ebbsfleet’s unbeaten start to the season – and then insisted the Fleet will still win the league.

Angels scored in either half through defenders Ben Swift and Sonny Miles to inflict a first reverse in all competitions on Dennis Kutrieb’s men.

With only Havant winning in the top seven in National League South there was little material damage done to Fleet’s title ambitions, and Saunders is backing a club he represented with distinction during his playing days to retain pole position.

“Ebbsfleet are for me the best team in the league and I fully expect them to go on and win it,” said Saunders. “Dennis Kutrieb has done a great job, got great players and play some great football.

“I’ve got a good record here as a manager. I won here in the league with Maidstone, beat them in the play-off final, beat them in a friendly with Margate and then won again today.

“It’s nice to come back, it’s a great club and I had some good years here as a player. I always get made to feel welcome when I come back. I fully expect them to win the league and I hope they do. They’re a very good side with a good set-up and they deserve to get out of this league.

“There was a lot of pressure on Ebbsfleet, it was like a free hit for our players. No matter what anyone says, when you’ve got that unbeaten record on your back it is pressure.

“I was delighted with the performance, delighted for the boys and for the supporters.”

Tonbridge’s win also meant Saunders avoided a fourth successive defeat for the first time in his managerial career.

He added: “I wouldn’t have cared if we were playing top or bottom, I just wanted three points.

“In our last three games it was very harsh to come back with three defeats.