Tonbridge Angels to play first game on new 3G pitch at Longmead after flying start on the road

Tonbridge begin a new era when they play their first home game on their new 3G pitch this weekend.

They go into Saturday’s game against Hampton on the back of a flying start to the National South season that’s seen them take seven points from three away games.

That’s likely to attract even more fans to Longmead for what will be a special day for the club.

“There’s probably a little bit more pressure on us now,” said manager Jay Saunders, whose side won 2-1 at Dover on Tuesday night.

“What you’ll get on Saturday is everyone expecting to see the team win because we’re at home and we’ve been winning away.

“The pitch looks brilliant, full credit to everyone at the club behind the scenes, the chairman, the directors, everyone’s been fantastic in making it happen.

“We’re hoping for a good crowd and I said to the boys before the Dover game if we get a win it will hopefully put a few extra on the gate on Saturday.

“We’re a new side, we’re not going to be perfect, and we haven’t been, but we’ve been good in spells. It’s an occasion on Saturday, the club are trying to move forward and the pitch is a big part of that.

“You’ve seen what happens when you start getting the kids down here in their Tonbridge kits and hopefully we’ll see them on Saturday.

“It’s the opening of a new pitch. We’ve got to do our part and I will be saying to the boys before the game play the game not the occasion.

“I want them to enjoy the day but you really only enjoy it when you win. I hope we get a good crowd but not for the players, for the club after all the work they’ve put in.

“They were talking about 1,500 but, after the the start we’ve had, maybe we could get more than that.”

Tonbridge have their injury problems with influential midfielder Doug Loft