Rivals geared up for showdown

Tonbridge

Tonbridge begin a crucial run of fixtures tomorrow (Saturday) when they welcome promotion rivals East Thurrock to Longmead. Third in the Ryman League, Premier Division, the Angels are three places and four points above their in-form Essex visitors. And with games against fellow top-seven sides Hampton & Richmond and Bognor Regis to come before the end of the month, it could be a decisive run of games for Tonbridge. Manager Steve McKimm said: “I’m pleased with our position, third in the league in the middle of January. I would have taken that all day long at the start of the season. “We’ve got an important six weeks coming up, playing most of the teams around us. We’ve got Hampton & Richmond, Enfield, Bognor and East Thurrock, so there are a lot of tough games coming up. “Our next target is to still be in the top-six leading into Easter because that can make or break your season. It’s a tough spell of games but everyone’s got tough games, playing each other and the games are going to come thick and fast. “East Thurrock are a good side and on a good run themselves. They’ve pushed themselves right up there and their manager watched us on Saturday.” He saw Tonbridge held to a 1-1 draw at Canvey Island, where Tom Parkinson cancelled out Merrick James-Lewis’ opener. McKimm said: “A point away from home is always good but some of the referee’s decisions left us feeling a bit aggrieved. “Our player was kicked in the head and we should have had a penalty. “Nathan Elder scored a clear goal which was given offside but the video showed it wasn’t. “But I’ve got no problems with how we’re playing at the moment. We’re not winning but as long as we’re not losing, the momentum and the belief is going to be there.”