All credit to the faithful supporters of our club that have in the last five weeks amassed 1,250 miles of travelling, but some relief is in sight with the 316 mile round trip to Weymouth on Saturday being the final long distance journey of the season. True, that in March/April there are successive away trips to Bath, Salisbury and Weston-super-Mare that are not insignificant distances, but the back of the travelling has been broken and one would hope that come those trips the worst that the winter can throw at us would have passed.

Weymouth presently occupy a place within the relegation zone and, on Tuesday evening, suffered a 4-1 home defeat to Truro City who reached the summit of National League South with that win. This also signalled the end of Mark Molesey’s tenure with Jason Matthews in temporary charge for our visit. Despite their league position, Weymouth are not beyond putting together an eye-catching performance such as their FA Trophy success at erstwhile league leaders Weston-super-Mare and a league point at the same venue. Earlier in the season, they also recorded an admirable win at Dorking Wanderers.

Weymouth were our visitors on the opening day of the season when the Angels triumphed 3-2 with goals from Liam Vincent, Trevan Robinson and Sean Shields. Weymouth’s scorers were Malachi Linton and an 88th minute second from Ezio Touray gave the home support a nervous final few minutes.

The Weymouth squad includes Calvin Brooks who is their top scorer with three goals. Other players to watch include Tom Bearwish, forwards Malachi Linton, and Jaiden Bartolo, a striker on loan from Wycombe. Jake McCarthy scored their consolation on Tuesday.

The Bob Lucas Stadium, named after a Club President who had previously been both a player and physio, a position that he occupied for 30 years. Bob was also synonymous with Tonbridge as our first-ever goalkeeper in our opening Southern League game in 1948. It says much about the man and the esteem with which he was held that the stadium retains his name 14 years after his passing.

The Bob Lucas is a classically traditional stadium, built for greyhound and speedway racing in 1954, that Weymouth moved into in 1987. It has a capacity of around 6,500 with 900 seats. The Main Stand, which sits astride the half-way line, has its seating elevated above the level of the pitch with the bars and dressing rooms underneath so a staircase climb is required to reach the seats.

There is covered standing on each of the other three sides to the stadium with the Tony Hobson Stand stretching the best part of the length of the pitch and for those aware of groundhopping terminology, the floodlights are known as “floodlight porn”!

There is limited parking at the ground so early arrival for a spot is required, alternatively there is residential parking, please park considerately! For train travellers there is around a two mile hike to the Bob Lucas from the station, so bus number 8 from the bus station or a taxi might be in order.

The Weymouth clubhouse bar will be accessible to Angels supporters whilst inside the ground there is street food available along with snacks and hot drinks and alcoholic beverages.

Admission prices are: Adults £18 Concessions £14 Youths (13-17) £7 (7-12) £4 Under-7 Free with cash or card available on the turnstiles. Children under 13 years of age must be accompanied. Concession prices are also available for Registered Disabled, members of the Armed Forces or Students in full time education. You may be asked for proof on the turnstiles. Students should bring suitable photo identification. Online tickets can be purchased HERE 

The last two matches for the Angels have been encouraging with a home win over Hemel Hempstead and an away draw at Welling with two goals from Liam Vincent following cup disappointments. Jay Saunders spoke of his wing back’s contribution this season: “I think he’s scored eight goals from left-wing-back, which is some going. He’s really kicked on this season and I think being settled at a club has made a difference. When he was at Portsmouth he had a lot of loans and never really settled anywhere. Now he’s here and getting games under his belt and showing what he can do. He knows what we’re about and we know what he’s about. We’ve been good for each other. He scored a good free-kick and there was a bit of pressure on him for the penalty but he tucked it away nicely.”

Saturday’s team will see the absence of Mo Dabre, who will serve a one match suspension and, at the time of writing, we are unable to confirm a new addition to the squad.

Safe journey and enjoy the game!