On Tuesday evening there is a potential Kent Senior Cup Final rehearsal when Tonbridge Angels and Welling United meet in a Vanarama National League South match.

Rod Stringer’s Wings have already guaranteed their place in the show piece game at Gillingham’s Priestfield Stadium while Jay Saunders’ Angels still have a difficult semi-final at Ebbsfleet United to negotiate.

However, that will be the last thing on the mind of the respective managers’ minds in the league match. Tonbridge come into the game on the back of a three-one win at Enfield Town. Hisham Kasimuu gave the hosts a half time lead, and they looked on target for a win until the Angels scored three in the last thirteen minutes.

Ronny Nelson levelled when heading home from a long throw then Sean Shields put Tonbridge ahead just one minute later. They made sure of winning all three points when Giankuca Botti scored from close range deep into stoppage time.

That result helped Welling to leapfrog Enfield, and out of the bottom four on goal difference after the Wings claimed a well deserved point at Chippenham Town. It looked bleak for the Wings when Hamzad Kargbo put the Bluebirds ahead in the eleventh minute however, Dave Winfield levelled thirteen minutes later.

Although Welling enjoyed more of the possession for most of the remainder of the game, they struggled to break down the obstinate Chippenham defence and had to settle for a point.

It will be the return game between Tonbridge and Welling this season as they met at Park View Road in November. In a proverbial ‘game of two halves’ Welling enjoyed the first period and went into the break two goals to the good. Alex Lankshear opened the scoring in the eleventh minute and Josh Redfearn scored a second for the Wings eighteen minutes later.

After the break, the momentum changed and Liam Vincent pulled one back on the hour mark. Nine minutes remained when the Angels levelled. Garrett Kelly fouled Charlie Pegrum in the eighteen yard box and a penalty was awarded with Kelly sent off. Vincent converted for a share of the points.

Kelly’s red card was rescinded on appeal but he didn’t make another appearance for Welling before joining the Angels. However, after seven games for them, he returned to the Wings and made his second debut for them at Chippenham, another club that he has previously represented.

At home, Tonbridge have won nine, drawn five and lost three while Welling’s away record is three wins, three draws and eleven defeats.

In league meetings between the two teams at Longmead since 2011, Tonbridge have won one, drawn two and lost two with the most recent being in August 2023 when Jack Burchell scored the only goal to give Welling the three points.

Whilst Tonbridge look comfortable in mid-table, Welling are fighting for their lives to stay in the division. However, any thoughts that the hosts have ‘nothing to play for’ can be discounted as there are derby bragging rights at stake and the match is likely to be fiercely competitive.

Images courtesy of Dave Budden