Angels Head to Crabble for First of Eight Kent Derbies

There's nothing quite like a midweek trip down the A2 for a Kent derby, and Tonbridge Angels supporters will be doing just that on Tuesday evening as the Angels head to Crabble to take on Dover Athletic in the Enterprise National League South. It's an early kick-off at 7:45pm, giving fans plenty to think about after a bruising Saturday at the Longmead Stadium.

The Angels will be desperate to put right the disappointment of that 2-1 home defeat to league heavyweights Torquay United, a game that felt like it slipped through their fingers rather than one where they were outclassed. Manager Alan Dunne was quick to point out that his side deserved more from that encounter, and he'll be hoping the frustration translates into points on the road.

"We're expecting a really tough game," Dunne said. "It's the first of eight Kent derbies this season and we know what we'll be up against." There's something special about these county rivalries, and with Dover having just put five goals past Slough Town, the Angels boss knows his side can't afford to be complacent.

Dunne was refreshingly honest about the last visit to Crabble, admitting his side didn't turn up on that occasion. "I think we owe Dover one too because on our last visit here we didn't really turn up," he said, adding that fans travelling down should expect a much-improved showing this time round. "I know we'll have a good following of our fans too and we're determined to put on a good display for them."

History is broadly on Tonbridge's side in this fixture, with four wins from the last five meetings between the clubs, including a pre-season friendly victory at Crabble back in July 2024. Dover did have the last laugh though, edging a 2-0 win in March, so there's a score to settle as well as bragging rights up for grabs.

Dover themselves have had a mixed start to the season, losing 2-0 away at Billericay Town before turning things around with that dramatic 5-3 win over Slough. They scraped survival in National League South last term, finishing 20th with a seven-point cushion, and have been busy strengthening the squad over the summer with the arrivals of Jack Bates and Fuad Sesay.

For anyone making the journey to Crabble, it's worth knowing the fixture will be fully segregated with tighter security than usual, and under-18 away fans will need to be with an adult and carry ID. Turnstiles are card only, so leave the cash at home. Those coming by train should aim for Kearsney rather than Dover Priory, as it's a much shorter walk to the ground - roughly 10 to 15 minutes rather than the two-mile trek from Priory.