Saturday brings the opening game of the National League South season, our seventh in succession at this level, when we entertain Slough Town.
Tonbridge Angels also herald in a new era with a new stadium title, the Yeomans Community Stadium and, on the field, a new management team with a greatly changed squad.
Craig Nelson’s squad has had a solid pre-season, suffering just a single defeat against a strong Bromley team, but the manager is all too aware that the real business starts now. “We will do our homework on them (Slough) as I’m sure they will us. We have got to make sure we are prepared and ready for what they throw at us and then play our brand of football, be brave and ready to compete. I don’t doubt they are going to be ready to do that because they have put in the hard work up to this point and now, this is when it matters. They are buzzing to get the season going, and so are we, as a management team.”
Our visitors finished last season in 16th place, one position ahead of the Angels on the same points, separated only by a minus goal difference.
Scott Davies begins his third full season as manager of The Rebels having taken charge midway through season 2022-23. His playing career gave him EFL experience at Reading, Wycombe Wanderers and Oxford United before his non-league time brought him to Slough in 2019 where he is still gathering appearances, which now amount to 179, as a registered player.
Davies has reshaped his squad during the summer and, for Tonbridge Angels supporters, the eye-catching acquisition would be not one, but two, Greenidges. Jordan spent two spells at Longmead, firstly joining in November 2022 on loan from Hemel Hempstead Town, a successful period that brought 14 goals in 26 appearances. He signed on a permanent basis the following season, scoring eight times in 28 appearances before departing for Dartford in March 2024. Jordan has been joined at Arbour Park by his brother Reiss, a defender from Maidstone United, where he spent three largely successful years.
Despite retaining a significant number of last season’s squad, notably including Henry Ochieng and Johnny Goddard, Davies has added 11 new names. Goalkeeper Adam Desbois has joined from National League South counterparts Eastbourne Borough with full back Peter Ojemen arriving from Dover Athletic. Davies reportedly beat off fierce competition to acquire the signature of Kiki Oshilaja from Cray Valley whilst joining Jordan Greenidge in the forward areas will be Jared Myers (Bedfont Sports) and Wiktor Makowski (Flackwell Heath).
New additions to the midfield area are Jaidon Drakes-Thomas (Wingate) and Tyrique Clark (Poole).
Last season’s corresponding fixture saw the Angels win 3-1 in January courtesy of two injury time goals from Harry Ottaway and Trevan Robinson after Francis Amartey had equalised a first half opener from Taylor Maloney.
Admission prices for Saturday’s game are: Adults £18; Concessions £15; Youths £8 and Under-12’s free with accompanying adult with tickets available HERE.
Gates open at 1 pm with the Sports Bar and Marquee Bar open from the outset with the special offer of Biddenden Cider at £4 a pint, or two pints for £7. The Tea Hut serving burgers, hot dogs, butties, hot and cold drinks and Fries Like An Angel, serving all your favourite loaded chips are also open from 1 pm. The Pie Shack opens from 1.30 pm. After the game, the Marquee will be holding a New Season Party which, until 8pm, DJ Hilfiger will be banging out the tunes, whilst Happy Hour will be extended to two hours, when all draught lager and cider will be on offer at £1 a pint off.
The staff and players will be in attendance and, at 6 o’clock, there will be the Player of the Match presentation, presented by the match day sponsors, Yeomans.
All that remains is to say, enjoy the game and the season!
