Bounce-Back Mission: Maidenhead United aim to banish Eastbourne blues against Tonbridge

Maidenhead United will desperate to consign Saturday’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to Eastbourne Borough to the history books when they host Tonbridge Angels at York Road this evening (Tuesday, October 21). 

After six straight victories in the National League South, the Magpies came up against a winless Eastbourne side who were under new management following Matt Gray’s departure and Tommy Widdrington’s arrival.

And there was certainly a spring in the step of the visitors as they recorded their first league win of the season at the Magpies’ expense.

In what was an underwhelming spectacle, Maidenhead had the better of much of the match without creating too many clear-cut chances. But it was still a surprise when Eastbourne scored the only goal of the game from a corner in the 64th minute, Freddie Carter turning the ball home from close range after Jordi Van Stappershoef flapped at the cross in.

Reflecting on Saturday’s loss, defender Manny Onariase, who celebrates his 29th birthday today (Tuesday), said: “It was very frustrating because there weren’t many chances in the game. They’ve taken their chance, and we’ve not taken ours.

“They caused us problems in the first half, but they didn’t really get any chances out of that. We regrouped and dealt with those problems in the second half, and I felt we were the better team, but they’ve just taken that one chance from a corner.

“Sadly, I’ve had a chance, and it’s just crept past the post. They defended well. It’s easier to defend a lead because you’ll throw your body at the ball, but credit to them, they did defend well.

“We’ve been on a good run, so we know what it takes to get on another one. That’s exactly what we need to do and we’ll be working hard to put things right on Tuesday.”

The result saw the Magpies drop a place to fifth and lose ground on some of the teams above them - including leaders Hornchurch - however, they have a great chance to bounce back and get Saturday’s result out of their system this evening (October 21).

The last time Maidenhead met Tonbridge Angels was more than a decade ago in April 2024, a goalless draw, but the reverse fixture that season was full of goals with Danny Green grabbing all four goals in a 4-2 win for the Magpies.

He scored two in the first half and then wrapped up his hat-trick with 10 minutes to play before scoring his fourth on the verge of full time.

Familiar names in the Magpies squad that evening were Mark Nisbet, Harry Pritchard and Adrian Clifton.

Tonbridge have made an indifferent start to the 2025/26 campaign and sit down in 16th place with three wins from their opening 11 matches. However, they’ve only been beaten on four occasions and two of those came in the opening weeks of the season to AFC Totton (3-0) and Dorking Wanderers (4-1) away.

Since then, the Angels have been more difficult to beat. They’ve lost their last two matches to Chatham in the FA Cup (3-1) and Horsham at home on Saturday (2-1) but before that went eight games unbeaten in all competitions. They also won three league games on the spin before Saturday’s setback.

On Saturday, Eddie Simon was on target for Tonbridge in their 2-1 loss, taking him to four for the season. He also netted twice against Farnborough and once against Enfield Town.

Tonbridge is famously home to the biggest cash robbery in British history when in February 2006, more than £53m was stolen from the Securitas cash-handling depot. Five men were convicted of this “callous crime” in 2008. They wore prosthetic disguises and ended up leaving behind £153 million because it would not fit in the getaway van.

Tonight’s fixture will not be segregated. 

Maidenhead United have said it's unlikely their online ticketing system will be available today.

A post from the club on X said: "NO further online ticket sales are available ahead of tonight's fixture with Tonbridge Angels. 

"Payment systems on the gate may also be affected, so please bring CASH, if possible, to pay on the turnstiles. Tickets will be sold as ON THE GATE PRICES. Thank you for your patience and we apologise for the inconvenience caused."

Tickets are priced at: Adults: (£20); Concessions (Over 65 years old, Student, UB40): (£15); Next Generation (17-22 years old): (£10); Under 17's: (£5) 

Please note U16's must be accompanied by an adult.

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Most recent results

Maidenhead United 0-0 Tonbridge Angels (2014)

Tonbridge Angels 2-4 Maidenhead United (2014)

Tonbridge Angels 2-1 Maidenhead United (2013)

Maidenhead United 3-1 Tonbridge Angels (2012)

Tonbridge Angels 1-0 Maidenhead United (2012)

Maidenhead United 0-4 Tonbridge Angels (2011)