Tonbridge begin a new era when they play their first home game on their new 3G pitch this weekend.

They go into Saturday’s game against Hampton on the back of a flying start to the National South season that’s seen them take seven points from three away games.

That’s likely to attract even more fans to Longmead for what will be a special day for the club.

“There’s probably a little bit more pressure on us now,” said manager Jay Saunders, whose side won 2-1 at Dover on Tuesday night.

“What you’ll get on Saturday is everyone expecting to see the team win because we’re at home and we’ve been winning away.

“The pitch looks brilliant, full credit to everyone at the club behind the scenes, the chairman, the directors, everyone’s been fantastic in making it happen.

“We’re hoping for a good crowd and I said to the boys before the Dover game if we get a win it will hopefully put a few extra on the gate on Saturday.

“We’re a new side, we’re not going to be perfect, and we haven’t been, but we’ve been good in spells. It’s an occasion on Saturday, the club are trying to move forward and the pitch is a big part of that.

“You’ve seen what happens when you start getting the kids down here in their Tonbridge kits and hopefully we’ll see them on Saturday.

“It’s the opening of a new pitch. We’ve got to do our part and I will be saying to the boys before the game play the game not the occasion.

“I want them to enjoy the day but you really only enjoy it when you win. I hope we get a good crowd but not for the players, for the club after all the work they’ve put in.

“They were talking about 1,500 but, after the the start we’ve had, maybe we could get more than that.”

Tonbridge have their injury problems with influential midfielder Doug Loft out with an Achilles problem and Tom Parkinson stretchered off in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Slough after going over on his ankle.

They also lost James Taylor at Dover, while summer signing Ben Swift is yet to appear although he could be in contention against Hampton.

Angels have picked up results regardless to sit fourth in the early standings.

Joe Turner’s penalty earned a point at Slough and he scored another spot-kick at Dover, this time the winner, after on-loan Tushaun Walters had cancelled out the hosts’ opener from a free-kick.

“Make no bones about it, with the start we had, Weymouth, Slough and Dover, all away, I’d have been happy with four points, so I’m delighted to get seven,” said Saunders.

“The biggest thing is the injuries we’ve picked up, we’ve lost Lofty and Parky, who are our two biggest organisers, Swifty hasn’t played yet, James Taylor went over on his knee at Dover and where Emmanuel Maja has been suspended and hasn’t played, he was cramping up.

“We finished with Joe Turner in holding midfield, it was a case of square pegs in round holes in the second half. What’s really pleased me is the work rate.”

Two summer signings caught the eye at Dover, with midfielder Tommie Fagg dropping into the back four and Louis Collins impressing against his former club, and it was his run that led to the penalty.

“Tommie’s been absolutely outstanding the last two games since Parky got injured,” said Saunders.

“I know he can play centre-half but that wasn’t where I brought him in to play.

“Louis Collins, as well, he was excellent against his old club.

“That was his first start and I’m really pleased for him.”