It is strange that, for a club that was founded in 1885 and took the town’s name of Hemel Hempstead in 1946, our paths failed to cross until 2019, when our first visit to Vauxhall Road brought the disappointment of an added time equaliser for the hosts after Joe Turner had given the Angels a second half lead. It is also fair to say, that subsequent visits have brought as much luck as that of any of King Henry VIII’s wives!

The Tudors became a bogey side to Tonbridge Angels from that first visit and our 2-0 win, courtesy of two Sean Shields goals, in the reverse fixture in November was our first-ever victory over the Hertfordshire side.

After a great start to the season that saw Hemel top of the table in September after taking 17 points from their opening seven games, they went on a run of 12 straight National League South defeats and a 7-1 home defeat to Dorking Wanderers, followed by a 5-0 reverse at Salisbury led to Bobby Wilkinson losing his job.

Lee Allinson arrived from Hendon, where he had been manager for the previous five years, in December, turned their form around and since losing to Chesham United on New Year's Day they've lost just one of 10 games and that was to Boreham Wood. With the absence of a game this midweek, they dropped to 16th in the table, but are well clear of the relegation battle.

Perhaps the name that stands out in their squad is striker Joe Iaciofano, who joined from Oxford City two years ago. Many of their goals come from wide with ex-Dartford man Brandon Barzey their top scorer with nine, whilst Oliver Lynch, a young striker on loan from Luton Town, has scored six time since his arrival in January.

Jay Saunders said of Saturday’s opponents: “They are flying at the moment. Lee has gone in there and done really well. When Bobby Wilkinson left they had good players, but Lee’s had that new manager bounce, so it is going to be a really tough game. Our record there isn’t the best but hopefully we can change that.”

Admission to the game is: Adults £15, Concessions £10, Under-18 £5 and can be purchased on line in advance HERE, alternatively cash or card accepted on the turnstile.

The Focus Community Arena has a large covered terrace at the far end of the ground and behind the other goal is a covered seating stand. On the opposite side of the ground from the entrance is another substantial covered seated stand.

Food is available from a burger van and the clubhouse/bar is open to visiting supporters.

There is a small car park at Vauxhall Road that fills quickly and is subject to a £5 charge. Vauxhall Road itself is a residential street and consideration to the residents should be given when parking.

For those arriving by train, alight at Hemel Hempstead Station, but this does leave a hefty 2.5 mile walk to the stadium.

Lloyd Blackman, in the post-match interview after Tuesday evening’s win against Welling United, intimated that Mo Dabre and Harry Ottaway could be involved but Ryan Hanson will probably remain on the sidelines along with Scott Wagstaff.

Enjoy the game!