OPPOSITION FOCUS | Tonbridge Angels (A)

The Key Info

Founded: 1947

Nickname: The Angels

Manager: Alan Dunne

Stadium: Longmead Stadium

Capacity: 3000

The History

Founded in 1947, Tonbridge Angels began their endeavour in competitive football in the Southern League, playing their home matches at The Angel Ground which was the former home of Kent Cricket Club. The first period of the club’s existence saw the Angels struggle to adapt, which resulted in their relegation from the Premier Division in the 1961/62 season. However, this gave Tonbridge an opportunity to reset and eventually return to the Premier Division after eleven years. After suffering financial troubles in the 1970s, with the original Tonbridge FC going into liquidation, the club was reformed as Tonbridge Angels, with the club moving into the Longmead Stadium in 1980, where they have played their home games ever since. Most recently, the Angels earned their promotion to the National League South in the 2018/19 season, following playoff victories over Haringey Borough, Merstham and Met Police. Since this period, Tonbridge Angels have competed consistently at Step 2 of the Non-League pyramid, with their highest finish at 9th place in the league.

The Manager: Alan Dunne

Alan Dunne was a recent appointment for Tonbridge after finding a replacement for Craig Nelson. He comes to the Longmead Stadium with a proven track record as a coach, having most recently assisted Andy Woodman in Bromley’s rise up the football league. Having been in that role for four years, Dunne earned praise for his tactical approach and knowledge on the sideline - something that can be useful for him moving to Tonbridge.

The Skipper: Scott Wagstaff

Scott Wagstaff is the captain of the Angels, and is a vastly experienced player within English football. The early stages of his career saw him progress through the youth setup at Charlton Athletic before going on to make 142 appearances for the Addicks. Wagstaff has played as high as the Championship as he represented Bristol City, before moving to Gillingham and eventually AFC Wimbledon. Following his spell at the Dons, Wagstaff went on to play for Forest Green, Aldershot and Bromley before being recruited by Tonbridge Angels. Since joining, he has picked up over 100 appearances for the Angels, and continues to contribute with his on field performances.

FORM GUIDE:

It has been a tough last five fixtures for the Angels, facing some in-form teams throughout the division. This has shown as defeats to high-flying Hornchurch and an FA Trophy defeat to Worthing have been part of this form. However, their most recent 0-3 victory away to Hampton & Richmond will look to strike confidence into the Angels as Alan Dunne’s side will look to gain confidence heading into a tough game against the Tudors

🟢 WON 0-3 vs Hampton & Richmond | 25/11

🔴 LOST 1-0 vs Chippenham Town | 22/11

🔴 LOST 0-4 vs Worthing (FA Trophy) | 15/11

🟡 DRAW 1-1 vs Bath City | 11/11

🔴 LOST 0-1 vs Hornchurch | 8/11

ONES TO WATCH:

Name: Arthur Penney

Joined: June 2025

Position: Centre Back

Joining from Chelmsford City ahead of this season’s campaign, Arthur Penney has proved his worth throughout the early stages of the season as he finds himself a mainstay in the back line of Tonbridge Angels. Whilst only 23 years old, Penney has received praise throughout his time at the Clarets by former manager Robbie Simpson, who praised his maturity as a young defender. Before Chelmsford, he played for Lewes where he won both their Manager’s and Player’s Player of the Season.

Name: Brody Peart

Joined: July 2025

Position: Winger

Brody Peart was brought in on loan from Wycombe Wanderers until January and has had an excellent start to the season for the Angels. He has been a regular feature in the squad and has been a key source of creativity, with 6 goal contributions in 17 league appearances. Having also been a part of the Southern League South Central league winning side of Basingstoke Town, the young winger will be looking to continue to show his consistency for the Angels.

Name: Bailey Akehurst

Joined: January 2025

Position: Left Back

Having returned to the club after a previous loan spell at the Angels during the 22/23 season, Bailey Akehurst has been a reliable face in this season’s backline at Tonbridge. Having left Gillingham after various loan spells, Akehurst spent the majority of his non-league career at clubs including Hastings United, Dover and Chatham. This season, the left back has accumulated the second most minutes played, only behind Arthur Penney which shows the maturity and reliability of a young backline.