Steve McKimm is looking for a big improvement when Tonbridge face Eastbourne Borough again.

They met in the first week of the National League South season, with Angels slipping to a 2-0 defeat.

McKimm’s side get the chance to make amends in the FA Cup second qualifying round at Longmead on Saturday.

The Angels boss said: “First half we were useless – it’s our worst half this season – and we were only marginally better in the second half.

“We know what we’ve got to do and how we’ve got to approach it and hopefully we get the right result.

“It’s the only all-National South tie, so we haven’t had it easy, but you’ve got to play what’s in front of you.”

Tonbridge last reached the FA Cup first round in 1972, losing 5-0 to Charlton.

They made the final qualifying round three years ago and would dearly love a run both for the prize money – there’s £6,750 on offer this weekend – and the glory.

McKimm said: “It’s a good distraction from the league and, like every year, you want to do the best you can.

“If we can apply ourselves, do everything we’ve got to do and get the rub of the green, you never know what’s going to happen.

“It’s a double-edged sword because the players want the prestige of trying to get through to the first round proper and the club want the prize money and the chance to attract bigger crowds and bring in revenue, which helps massively.”

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Tonbridge lost 2-0 at home to high-flying Hemel Hempstead last Saturday.

They dominated the first half but two goals in four minutes from ex-Gillingham striker Liam Nash, just after the break, saw Hemel take the points while Joe Turner missed a penalty with 20 minutes remaining.

McKimm, whose side are outside the bottom two on goal difference, said: “We can say we’ve been the better side in a lot of games this season but that doesn’t get you the points.

“It’s these 10-to-15-minute spells we’re getting punished for.

“The rest of the time we’re doing well but we have to cut out these spells where we’re either not working hard enough up top and allowing teams through, or we’re making individual errors.

“If we can rectify that we’re going to be all right.

“I just think it’s concentration levels.

“There’s not one instance in 90 minutes where you can switch off at this level because you’ll get punished.

“We have to fine-tune that but we’ve got to do it quickly or we’ll be left adrift.”

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