Tonbridge Angels Football Club: 25 Years of Longmead Stadium
This month we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first ever match at Longmead Stadium. So throughout August Angels Online is celebrating the milestone! If you would like to comment on your memories of the Longmead 'early days', e-mail me here.
TONBRIDGE ANGELS v CRAWLEY TOWN Monday, 18 August, 1980 - Southern League Cup 1st Round, 1st Leg
"Good evening everyone, and a very warm welcome to Longmead. So here we are at last, about to kick-off our first match on a new ground - can you believe it? The saga which began 33 months ago, when the council announced its intention to re-develop the "Angel" in October 1977, now moves into another phase, which the club at long last secured of a foundation, sets about the business of building a successful future. Tonight we entertain Crawley Town in the Southern League Cup, but, without disrespect to our opponents, it might have been anyone in anything, for this evening, it is not just about a match, it is no less than a momentous occasion in the club's history. It is an occasion for all those who have stuck with the club during its period of crisis, from Chairman Bill Wheeler down; it is an occasion for all those who retained hope in the face of crippling adversity - the might of the council seemed so overpowering as to vanquish the prospects of compromise. It is also something of an occasion for the people of the Longmead area, who have had a football club moved onto their doorsteps. For those of you who have come along to take a peak at the new neighbours, welcome indeed - I only hope you'll find it worthwhile visiting us regularly."
From the TAFC v Crawley Town match programme
LONGMEAD STADIUM RECORDS
Highest Attendance (All Games): 2412 - Tonbridge Angels v Crystal Palace (30 March 1998)
Highest Attendance (Competitive): 1483 - Tonbridge Angels v Yeovil Town (26 October 1991)
Biggest winning margin: Tonbridge Angels 7-0 Erith & Belvedere (SL - 4 September 1982)
Biggest losing margin: Tonbridge Angels 0-8 Havant Town (SL - 29 January 1994)
Highest scoring match: Tonbridge Angels 4-6 Fisher Athletic (KSC - 29 January 1985)
This page will be expanded during August 2005. Keep visiting!
TONBRIDGE ANGELS v CRAWLEY TOWN
LONGMEAD STADIUM RECORDS