Liam Vincent will never shy away from taking penalties for Tonbridge.

Wing-back Vincent levelled from the spot in the 94th minute as Angels drew 2-2 with Hampton & Richmond in National League South last weekend.

There was a lot riding on it with third-placed Angels looking to extend their unbeaten start to the season.

But the former Portsmouth defender was as cool as you like in sending the keeper the wrong way.

He also scored from the spot at Aveley in the opening weeks of the season - and will always back himself from 12 yards.

“We’re still unbeaten, which is a great achievement, and it keeps our momentum going,” said Vincent.

“Not that losing would have taken the wind out of sails but we’ve got a really good group here and we all work hard for each other, so it was nice to keep that record intact.

“I’m putting the ball on the spot, I’m not worried about the keeper or anything like that.

“You pick a spot beforehand and thankfully it went in.

“I think there were a few lads who fancied being on penalties at the start of the season.

“At Aveley, I’m not too sure what happened, but I said it fancied it when we got a penalty and I took that one and scored.

“I always fancy myself on penalties so when this one came up, everyone looked me and I thought I better step up and take it again.”

Vincent has been a key man in Tonbridge’s wing-back system, with his ability get up and down the left a major asset.

He showed that again by setting up Jason Adigun’s opener against Hampton after collecting Sean Shields’ pass and sending over a dream cross to the back post.

“Playing with Shieldsy, as soon as the ball comes out ot the left-hand side, I always feel we’re going to create something, which is realy good,” said Vincent.

“It’s been a brutal start with the number of Saturday-Tuesdays we’ve had.

“Wing-back is tough but when you’re playing lots of games you get used to going and up and down.

“Obviously there are times when you don’t feel as energetic but it’s always great when you can get up there and contribute going forward, which is what the gaffer wants.”

Vincent finished last season on loan at Tonbridge from Porstmouth.

He was keen to make it a permanent deal after leaving Pompey over the summer and manager Jay Saunders was happy to oblige.

Encouraged by Angels’ start to the campaign, Vincent is eyeing a National League South play-off place.

He said: “I had a few options in the summer but I was here last year on loan and I got on with with management staff.

“When I called the gaffer he seemed keen to get me back in, so it was a no-brainer and hopefully I can have a good season.

“I think everyone playing at this level would like to play full-time football - that’s always the aim - but the main focus is getting Tonbridge as far up the league as possible and really having a go at the play-offs.

“I think a lot of people thought we’d crumble when the season started but everyone’s stepped up.

“The average our defence is something like 20 or 21 and before this we’d kept five clean sheets on the bounce, which is impressive in any league.

“Everyone’s mucked in. There’s been times when we’ve been under the cosh and we’ve stuck together.

“You’re not going to keep a clean sheet every game but the aim is to keep as many as possible and hopefully we can back to that and continue our good form.”

Tonbridge are back in FA Cup action on Saturday (3pm), hosting Southern League Premier South high-fliers Walton & Hersham in the third qualifying round.

Angels beat Merstham last time out, which was their first in the competition since reaching the first round four years ago.

Get past Walton & Hersham and they’ll be win away from a return to the big stage.

Vincent said: “I know the club’s record hasn’t been great in the last few years, so it was good to get through against Merstham.

“It doesn’t matter who we play, it’s all on the day.

“As long as we put together a good performance, I’m confident we can have a good run in the cup, which would be great.

“I know everyone would appreciate it, all the fans, so hopefully we can do that.