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Tonbridge Angels chasing another FA Trophy upset against King's Lynn after ending their long wait for a league win

Tonbridge have already taken one National League scalp in this season’s FA Trophy - now they’re going for another.

Angels hosts King’s Lynn in the fourth round tomorrow, knowing they have it in them to beat higher-division opposition.

Tonbridge Angels manager Steve McKimm Picture: Dave Couldridge
Tonbridge Angels manager Steve McKimm Picture: Dave Couldridge

They proved that against Torquay in round three and a place in the last 16 awaits if they pull off another upset.

The Norfolk side are battling relegation, recently changing their manager after sacking former Norwich and Spurs player Ian Culverhouse.

But they’re a quality side and Angels will need to be on their game to achieve another upset.

“They’ve got their priorities in terms of trying to stay in that league but a good cup run might give their fans something to cheer about,” said Angels boss Steve McKimm.

“They’ll be favourites, because of the league they’re in, but we’ll be giving everything we can to try and cause an upset.

“We can take encouragement from Torquay but no two games are the same.

“We’ll do our homework on King’s Lynn, watch videos on them and do everything we can to try and gain a slight advantage and get through to the next round.

“We’ve got to make sure we stay in the game for long periods, take our chances when they come along and defend as best we can.

“I look at what league they’re in, rather than their position, and they are a good side.

“But we’ve got good players, too, and we need to make sure we’re better than them man-for-man on the day. Even if goes to penalties, we’ve still got a chance.”

One thing that struck McKimm in the Torquay game was the size of their opponents.

He expects similar against King’s Lynn.

Tonbridge striker Tommy Wood celebrates his late winner against Hungerford Picture: Dave Couldridge
Tonbridge striker Tommy Wood celebrates his late winner against Hungerford Picture: Dave Couldridge

“That’s always the way when you play teams in a higher league,” he said.

“You think you’ve got a big side but you go up a level and some of them are huge.

“They’re big and they’re built solid and athletic, where they train every day, and you know you’ve got your work cut out.”

Tonbridge go into the Trophy game buoyed by a first National South win in 11 games last weekend.

Joe Turner missed a penalty as McKimm’s men trailed Hungerford but substitute Tommy Wood turned the match on its head with two goals in the last three minutes.

Victory moved them six points clear of bottom side Billericay.

“We fought to the end,” said McKimm. “Even when we missed the penalty, we didn’t let our heads go down, and we got our just rewards.

“Even their manager said we deserved it. I get on well with Danny (Robinson) and he’s not going to lie to me.

“It’s nice to hear a manager say we deserved to win and this time we’ve actually got three points, instead of hearing it when we’ve lost.

“Let’s hope it’s the turning point for us but who knows? Can we kick on? That’s what we’d like to do and that’s what we aspire to do but the proof is in the pudding.”

Wood’s double ended a four-month goal-drought for the former AFC Wimbledon man, who last found the net in a 1-1 draw at Dartford in September.

Delight for Tommy Wood after ending his four-month goal-drought in Tonbridge's 2-1 win against Hungerford Picture: Dave Couldridge
Delight for Tommy Wood after ending his four-month goal-drought in Tonbridge's 2-1 win against Hungerford Picture: Dave Couldridge

McKimm was delighted for a player who works tirelessly for the team.

“We thought Dartford might be the springboard for Tommy, so let’s see if this can be,” said McKimm.

“He’s not one who doesn’t try, he’s not one who doesn’t work hard - he does.

“On the day everything went for him and you need that as a striker.

“The more days he has like that, the better for him and for our club.

“It’s one of those, as a striker, you get a couple of goals and you can go on a little run and I hope it’s the same for him because he’s never sat there and sulked.

“We’ve had a few seven-day approaches for him and he’s turned them down to stay.

“He could have taken the easy route and gone to a lower-league club but he has faith in what we’re doing with him.”

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