Back in the relatively balmy days of late October, we made our longest journey of the season down to the Truro Sports Hub at West Langarth, around four miles outside of the city centre and, on Saturday, the Cornish folk make the reverse journey of the best part of 300 miles.

Those that chose to travel down on the Friday and make a weekend of it in October were beset with travel problems that also affected the team coach heading towards their overnight stay. But, lest we forget, for Truro this is almost an every away game occurrence with Torquay, 85 miles away, their local derby and their longest trip to Chelmsford City still to come.

Not many of us would have had Truro City as one of our favourites for promotion this season, but they're very much in the mix for going up. Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Farnborough means they are seventh, They are the team the chasing pack are actually chasing, sitting eight points behind leaders Dorking with two games in hand.

Their new home has become something of a fortress with Maidstone United the only team to win there since early September, but they're strong travellers too with victories at Maidstone, Aveley, Welling, Weymouth, St Albans and last Saturday at Hampton and Richmond.

John Askey, who became manager in May after Paul Wotton left for Torquay, has this week made a couple of moves in the loan market. Striker Luke Jephcott, who grew up in Cornwall, has joined on loan from Newport County and defender Zac Bell extended his loan move from Maidenhead United. Two weeks ago Kidderminster Harriers defender Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain also extended his loan move to the club.

Their side has two impressive strikers with Tyler Harvey, who has scored 16 times and Jaze Kabia netting his 13th on Tuesday. Until recently they have had ex-Angel Manny Maja, who last week ended a loan spell from Aldershot Town.

Last season, we recorded the double over our visitors, winning in October when they were groundsharing at Plymouth Parkway, with goals from Sonny Fish and a Lewis Gard penalty whilst at Longmead, two goals in the final 10 minutes from Jordan Higgs and Jamie Fielding (in the 93rd minute) won the day.

Prior to that we sadly avoided each other in recent seasons with Truro going down the year we came up, so before last season, the last time Truro visited us was the final day of the 2012/13 season, a 3-2 Angels win. For Tonbridge, Frannie Collin scored twice, his last two goals for the club, and Aaron Gayle once.  Former Fulham man Barry Hayles scored Truro’s two goals.

Saturday’s game will see the club pay its tribute to Devonte Aransibia, who sadly passed away at the age of 26 and we would like everyone to join us for our tribute, when we will remember his contribution to Tonbridge Angels and to football.

A floral wreath dedicated to Devonte will be laid on the centre circle by club chaplain, Neil Durling and chair, Sophie Purves before the game. This will then be followed by a minute’s silence in Devonte’s memory.

There will also be a bucket collection for “Dev’s Fund” to help support his family at this terrible time. Anyone unable to attend Saturday’s game or wishing to make their contribution online, there is a GoFundMe page that can be found HERE. 

We thank everyone who applauded Devonte in the 26th minute at Dorking Wanderers and all our supporters who have sent messages of support to the club.

Jay Saunders has hinted that Sean Shields might be fit enough to return to the starting line-up but Jack Wood, who turned an ankle on Tuesday, will need to be assessed at training on Thursday.

Admission prices to the game are: Adults £17; Concessions £14; Youths £7 and Under-12’s free with accompanying adult with tickets available HERE.

Gates open at 1 pm with the Sports Bar and Marquee Bar open from the outset with special offers of Staropramen, the favourite Czech Pilsner, reduced to £4.50 a pint, Carling reduced to £4 a pint and Salt Jute, an IPA, at £5 a pint. The Tea Hut serving burgers, hot dogs, butties, hot and cold drinks and Fries Like An Angel, serving all your favourite loaded chips are also open from 1 pm. The Pie Shack opens from 1.30 pm. After the game, the Sports Bar will be closed, so the Marquee will be open until 7pm including the Happy Hour, with £1 off all pints of draught lagers and ciders with the special offer drinks price continuing.

Our award-winning programme, carrying a cover dedicated to Devonte, is available from the Programme Hut, priced at £3 and will feature reflections from Jay Saunders, club captain Scott Wagstaff, board member Ian Clear plus reports from our men’s and women’s first team games plus youth teams.

Saturday’s sponsors are our friends from TN Card and we hope Jess Gibson and her guests enjoy their day. 

Enjoy the game!