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Tonbridge Angels manager Jay Saunders sees his side close in on National South play-off places

Tonbridge are just a point off the National South play-off places after back-to-back wins.

Devonte Aransibia struck in a 1-0 victory at Hungerford on Saturday, and scored again as Angels beat Eastbourne Borough 3-0 at home on Tuesday night.

Two goals in two games for Devonte Aransibia. Picture: David Couldridge
Two goals in two games for Devonte Aransibia. Picture: David Couldridge

Jordan Greenidge, with his fifth goal in as many games, and Jack Wood, who’s joined on a month’s loan from Southend, were the other scorers against Boro.

Angels are ninth, going into Saturday’s home game against bottom side Weymouth (3pm) while Dover visit on Tuesday (7.45pm).

“It’s been a good few days, on the back of a good point against Havant last week,” said boss Jay Saunders.

“We’re in a decent position, a point off the play-offs.

“We’d have taken that at this stage of the season. It’s where I wanted to be.

“I knew it would be tough with the turnaround of players we had. But you don’t get to Christmas time and be in that position unless it’s warranted.

“What we need to do now is look at ways we can improve and kick on and that might mean bringing one or two in if we can.

“We can’t get carried away. My whole thing is let’s get to 45 points as quick as we can (Angels are on 33) and then you know you’re safe.

Tonbridge Angels celebrate Devonte Aransibia's goal against Eastbourne. Picture: David Couldridge
Tonbridge Angels celebrate Devonte Aransibia's goal against Eastbourne. Picture: David Couldridge

“After that, you can look at it and go, ‘Right, let’s see what we can do’.”

The squad are light following a couple of departures this week, with striker Dylan Gavin recalled by parent club Charlton and midfielder James Taylor departing as he prepares for a trial abroad.

“I spoke to James’ agent and he’s got a trial coming up in Spain in a couple of weeks,” said Saunders.

“Also, he’s from Hereford, and if it doesn’t work out in Spain, he’ll maybe look at joining a club closer to home, which is fair enough.

“He’s a nice lad and he’s been great for us. The door’s open for him if he wants to come back.

“We do need to look at the squad.

“We’ve got Jordan Greenidge’s loan coming up soon - we need to speak to Hemel - and Ruben Soares is still out.

“Tommie Fagg’s coming back from injury but he hasn’t played for a long time and might need to go out on loan to get some games.”

On-loan Southend man Jack Wood scores Tonbridge's third against Eastbourne. Picture: David Couldridge
On-loan Southend man Jack Wood scores Tonbridge's third against Eastbourne. Picture: David Couldridge

Saunders has allowed Nathan Wood to join Ramsgate on dual-registration to get match-fit after a couple of weeks out.

He played in Rams’ 3-1 win at Whitehawk on Saturday but was back with Tonbridge on Tuesday, appearing as a second-half substitute.

It was namesake Jack Wood who caught the eye in the midweek victory, with the winger impressing since his arrival from National League Shrimpers.

“I thought he was excellent,” said Saunders. “For me, he was man-of-the-match.

“He’s got pace, he’s direct, he got his goal, and could have had another one, and an assist.

“John Still (Southend head of football) scouted him when he was at Kings Langley.

“He’s only 19 but he’s got that background in non-league.

“To be fair to Stilly, when he takes players from lower levels, he’s not a bad judge.”

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