A last-gasp winner against championship-chasers Maidstone United has stirred Angels’ delight ahead of Saturday’s clash with promotion hopefuls’ Kingstonian.

Alex Teniola’s 90th minute strike against the arch-rivals from the county town settled a tense affair and maintained a 100 per cent home record for the Longmead men.

With well over 1,100 packed into the stadium, including many who had made the short hop from Maidstone, Tonbridge were the underdogs on August Bank Holiday Monday.

Going into the much-awaited derby the Stones had recorded five straight wins and the early pace-setters, while Tonbridge were still licking wounds after a disappointing 0-2 defeat at Wingate & Finchley two days’ earlier. The reverse in North London, plus losses at Met Police and Peacehaven, showed that despite having a talented team, Tonbridge were still very much a work in progress.

The patient Angels’ faithful realise Steve McKimm’s classy new side are still finding their feet and content to enjoy the spectacle of an energetic and entertaining brand of passing football.

And Maidstone fans’ reputation for being among the most boastful in Kent when they are winning, made it even more important not to concede post-match bragging rights. Anything but defeat would have been good enough for spectators in the stadium, not to mention internet observers watching nervously for updates in places varying from Suffolk, to Scotland, to Chile.

So, most would have settled for a point against the big-spending visitors, especially after an industrious afternoon which had shown more prudent defensive traits.

But speedy striker Teniola had different ideas and the attacker, who first endeared himself to fans with crucial goals in last year’s ill-fated Skrill South relegation battle, has probably earned legendary status after his much-celebrated winner against the Stones.

Although the manner of the triumph grabbed the headlines, it was the new-found mean-ness of the rear-guard and ability to grind out a positive result that caught the eye of astute observers.

It nicely tees-up another clash against promotion hopefuls, with Kingstonian due to arrive at Longmead on Saturday (30thAugust).

The Surrey side will be hoping to ensure this year’s Ryman Premier campaign is not just a two-horse race between Margate and Maidstone. The Ks finished second last term but missed out on promotion to the Conference South after losing in a play-off semi-final to Hornchurch.

Boss Alan Dowson, who had been at the helm seven years, stepped down after the disappointment and subsequently replaced by Tommy Williams, and he has largely kept faith with a squad that went so close to success. The latter was a popular player at Kingsmeadow and gained valuable managerial experience during a 12-month stint at Carshalton Athletic.

New recruits include Nathaniel Pinney, a striker previously on the books of Premiership Crystal Palace who was at Tonbridge last season. He did not really establish himself at Longmead and will be determined to prove true capabilities. Pinney, who was well-liked by supporters, is a proven goal-scorer at Ryman Premier level, especially during a successful spell at Carshalton, and has already netted several times for his new club.

Another face familiar to Angels’ fans is winger Chris Henry, who was a member of the squad that achieved promotion to the Conference South, via the play-offs in 2011.

The Tonbridge line-up could include exciting flare player Dee Okojie, who headed in the opposite direction and was among boss Steve McKimm’s priority signings. Also near the top of that shopping list was James Folkes, whose presence was a key ingredient in the triumph over Maidstone.

Kingstonian have made a promising start to 2014/15, opening their account with a 5-2 victory over Enfield Town, plus other wins over Hornchurch (1-0) and Leatherhead (2-1). A point was earned from a tough tussle against promotion rivals Dulwich Hamlet, with the most recent outing a 1-1 at Bognor last Saturday (23rd September). Pinney rescued a point courtesy of a last minute header at the Sussex Coast.

The Ks are currently seventh in the table, but have a game in hand after their August Bank Holiday fixture against VCD Athletic fell victim to wet weather. Three points from that contest would have secured third spot, behind a Margate side that are top with a 100% record and the Stones who were beaten 1-0 by Tonbridge on Monday.

The men from Kingston-upon-Thames are a good side and reliable play-off contenders with a number of near misses in recent seasons. They are striving to revive past glories after over-spending on the team and stadium upgrades during a stint in the non-league top flight led to financial woes in 2001. The subsequent downsizing meant a fall from grace, including dropping into the Ryman South for a spell. That is well and truly behind them and Saturday’s guests are now aiming for Conference South football.

The Angels are also hoping to return to that division, after relegation at the end of last term, but with a completely new team steady progress is the objective. Fans are content watching an entertaining brand of football and being on the fringe of the play-offs is a reasonable aspiration. Tonbridge are currently 10th with nine points after three home wins and the same number of away defeats.

Manager Steve McKimm is already proving a popular figure and supporters are right behind the former Sutton United head coach.

The faithful are still basking in the glory of the win over Maidstone and eagerly anticipating another crack at one of the league’s best teams.

The kick-off for the match between Tonbridge Angels and Kingstonian on Saturday 30th August is 3pm.

∎ For first time visitors, Longmead Stadium boasts excellent facilities for enjoying semi-professional football, including covered terraces behind both goals, as well as concrete hard-standing areas surrounding the rest of the pitch.

Spectators who prefer more comfort can watch the action from the main seated stand for a small additional transfer fee.

Supporters can relax in the clubhouse, where refreshments are served, before and after games.

Travelling to the ground is convenient with a large FREE car park, while non-motorists can use buses (Arriva, route 219/218) or taxis, with a journey time of around 10 minutes from Tonbridge Railway Station. For people who prefer to walk to the game, Longmead Stadium is about a mile and a half from the town centre and takes approximately 50 minutes.

Admission prices are £10 for adults aged 18 and over, £6 for seniors aged 60-plus, while youths between 13 and 17 pay £4. The Angels are a very family friendly club and children under 13 can watch a match for FREE if accompanied by an adult, or the charge is £2 if unaccompanied.

Please check the websitewww.tonbridgeangelsonline.co.uk for more details, team news, fixture lists and other activities.

Tonbridge Angels – more than just a football club, at the heart of the community.