More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Tonbridge captain Sonny Miles has previous when it comes to beating Football League opposition in the FA Cup.
Miles was part of the Maidstone team who shocked Stevenage 2-1 in a televised replay at the Gallagher Stadium in 2014.
Six years on, the big defender gets another crack at the first round when National South Angels face League 2 Bradford City at Longmead on Saturday.
“It brings back some nice memories,” said Miles, 30, who ended that replay on the shoulders of Stones fans in a pitch invasion.
“It’s a different club and it’s nice to finally break the voodoo because Tonbridge haven’t been in the first round in all the years I’ve been here.
"Some people never get the opportunity to play in the first round in their whole career but, all being well, I’m lucky enough to do it twice.
“It’s on telly in some format, too, and it’ll be nice to sit back and watch it in a few years’ time and show everybody you’ve been there.”
Maidstone, then in the Isthmian Premier, held Stevenage to a 0-0 draw before winning the replay 2-1.
Miles’ Tonbridge team-mate, Ben Greenhalgh, set up the winning goal.
Bradford, though, are a far bigger club than Stevenage, with an illustrious past, knocking Chelsea out of the FA Cup five years ago.
“We were unlucky not to win the first game at Stevenage,” said Miles.
“When they came to our place people were talking about a giantkilling but we actually thought we could beat them.
“With this one we have to try and stay in the game as long as we can.
“We’ll have worked on the Friday while they will have their feet up resting but if we stay in it as long as we can and get a bit of luck, you never know what might happen.
"It’s 11 v 11 and if five or six of us have a better day than the bloke against you, you've got a chance.
“Bradford’s a huge club. I was talking to a mate the other day who’s a Chelsea fan and he was talking about them winning 4-2 at the Bridge four or five years ago.
"They've got big players and a big manager in Stuart McCall, who everyone knows. It’s a great draw.”
Miles suffered the disappointment of missing out on Tonbridge’s super play-off victory against Met Police 18 months ago.
He was suspended that day but there’s no such worries this time, with the centre-half looking forward to a great occasion, even though the tie will be played behind closed doors.
“It was heartbreaking to miss that play-off final,” said Miles.
“I remember people used to say to me to enjoy every moment of your non-league career because it’s gone before you know it.
“I used to think, ‘they don’t know what they’re talking about’ but they were right - it flashes past and before you know it, you’re 30.
"I’m lucky enough to have been part of a couple of promotions here and I can look back and say I’ve done all right.
“I was gutted to miss that final but hopefully I can enjoy this game.”
Miles captained Tonbridge in Tom Parkinson’s absence last season.
Parkinson is over his long-term ankle injury but it will be Miles leading out the Angels against Bradford after being made permanent captain.
Manager Steve McKimm wants Parkinson to concentrate on playing after so long out and Miles was happy to accept the armband.
“I had a conversation with Macca in the summer and it was decided I would carry on if I wanted to, which obviously I did,” said Miles.
“I’m very proud to be captain after playing for the club for so many years.
"Tom’s not only a very good footballer, he’s a very good friend, so there was no awkwardness or anything.
"He hasn’t changed and I haven’t changed the way I am. I’ve always whinged and moaned anyway.
"When you start losing your ability, you have to start shouting at people!
"Really, you need three or four captains out on the pitch but it will be nice to lead the team out - if selected.”
