Tonbridge manager Steve McKimm was ready to make a playing comeback at the age of 41.

McKimm named himself as a substitute for Angels’ 4-0 Ryman League, Premier Division defeat at Wingate & Finchley last weekend – more than two years after he retired.

With five players out and three 17-year-olds on the bench, McKimm had to make up the numbers.

Andre McCollin (broken leg), Tom Parkinson (quad), Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson (ankle), Sonny Miles (calf) and George Beaven (hamstring) were the injured players.

McKimm, whose side dropped to sixth place, said: “I’d have gone on for 10 minutes to shore things up if I felt it was worthwhile.

“I didn’t want to because there were young lads who could do the job but I felt it was important to have some experience on the bench.

“I still train and I play regular football at a good standard on a Sunday. I don’t want to be in that situation again where I have to go on the bench.

“It’s unfortunate but you do what you have to do.”

Angels bounced back with a 2-0 home win over Sittingbourne in the League Cup second round on Tuesday night.

Tom Phipp struck early in the second half, with Luke Allen’s last-minute penalty clinching their progress.

McKimm said: “I named a strong side to get some confidence back after Saturday.

“Sittingbourne were a young side. They worked hard, were energetic and had creative players.

“They showed great endeavour and desire and pushed us all the way. I can see them doing well in their league.”

Angels host Southern League Ashford (Middx) in the FA Trophy first qualifying round tomorrow (Saturday), with £2,700 in prize money on offer.

McKimm said: “They’re a side who are full of goals – we’ve got to be on our mettle.

“It’s an opportunity to make a few more quid for the club after the FA Cup run.”