Sleepy spells a concern
Jay Saunders admits Tonbridge have an issue with starting second halves too slowly something he’s working hard to address.
Going in at half-time level at 11, two goals in 15 minutes after the restart sent Angels to a 3-1 National League South weekend loss at Weston-super-Mare. It’s a problem which has become all too familiar for boss Saunders after they failed to back up last midweek’s 2-1 derby victory at Dover.
“We have got a habit at the moment of not coming out and starting second halves,” Saunders said.
“I was chatting to their manager, Scott Bartlett, after and we both agreed that it was a really good away performance in the first half.
“We controlled some good parts. We gave away a sloppy goal but, after that, I was really pleased with the first half.
“I felt we were in control and could kick on and get the three points. But it went a little bit backwards, a bit like when we played Hemel (a 2-0 defeat). “We didn’t play for 20 minutes in the second half. At any level, you cannot do that, really, and we got punished.
“Although they were great finishes from their lads, all three goals could have been avoided from our point of view. They have been clinical and we have come away with nothing. “It’s disappointing. After beating Dover last midweek, we wanted to back it up with another win and we didn’t manage to do that.
“My biggest concern at the moment is working out why we’re not coming out for the first 20 minutes of the second half.”
Their latest loss leaves playoff chasing Angels firmly in mid-table.
Saunders, who has seen goalkeeping coach Andy Smith depart for a full-time position, said: “We’ve had good runs during the season. But, at the moment, since the Dartford game (a 4-0 win), our consistency hasn’t always been there. “When I say that, I don’t always mean over a run of games. Sometimes, just having consistency in a game would be really good.
“We have some good spells and then patches where we’re off it.
“As part of being manager, me and my management team need to work that out. We went through a lot of stuff on Tuesday in terms of video analysis to show where we’re going wrong. “But we have got lads who want to do well and I’m sure we’ll get there.”
Tonbridge host Chippenham this Saturday in the first of two successive home fixtures.
They lost last time out at Longmead 1-0 to Worthing - ending an eight-game unbeaten home run in the league.
“In general, we have been good at home recently,” said Saunders, who hopes defender Jernade Meade and midfielder Ansu Janneh could come into contention.
“Chippenham are a side that, since I’ve been here, we have had really good games with really competitive games. “They’re a good side, have a good manager [in Gary Horgan] and they’re just below us in the league. For us, it’s important we try to start the game well, and take the game to them.
“We’re at home and need to get back on a winning run.”
Former Maidstone manager Saunders also praised George Elokobi’s current crop for Stones’ shock weekend FA Cup 2-1 win at Championship highfliers Ipswich.
Saunders noted: “It was brilliant. As I’ve said before, I’m from that area. Seeing the buzz around the place is great.
“The biggest things for me are what it does for a community but, also, for players that are trying to get moves.
“It just highlights the National League, doesn’t it? It’s a great achievement. George has done brilliantly there. “I know there were a few Tonbridge supporters that were a bit gutted! I think most clubs and non-league managers will tell you that they’re a bit jealous.
“We all dream of having that cup run. Maidstone have managed to do it this year, so fair play.”