DESPITE an horrendous run which has seen Tonbridge Angels pick up just five points from a possible 30 in the league, chairman Steve Churcher has given his backing to manager Tommy Warrilow.

Quite simply, Angels have to start winning league matches - Tuesday's 3-2 win over Cray was their first since November 17 - if they are to begin climbing the Ryman Premier League and banish talk coming from the terraces of the team becoming embroiled in a relegation battle.

It doesn't get any easier for Angels with league leaders Dartford, who themselves have lost two in row, visiting the Longmead tomorrow (Saturday), but Churcher is looking forward to a bumper derby crowd and cleared up any speculation about Warrilow's future.

"There have been rumours about Tommy's position, which is simply mischief mongering from certain supporters," Churcher said.

"This is really unhelpful at this stage of the season. Changing the manager at this time of year would be suicidal. Tommy took us to the play-offs and finished third last season, and took us from near the bottom to narrowly missing out on the play-offs in his first season.

"The board remains committed to Tommy, and Tommy is committed to the club. I still think he is a good manager and you don't become a bad manager overnight. There is no one out there any better for Tonbridge Football Club."

He confirmed that Warrilow is trying to bring two or three new faces to cope with the squad's injury woes. Scott Gooding has been ruled out for at least two months, Tom Bryant will miss six weeks and captain Anthony Storey is still recovering from a foot injury.

The win over Cray on Tuesday night wasn't plain sailing and probably reflected Angels' season so far. Two goals up and creating chances almost at will, Angels let the visitors back into the match and with 10 minutes to play, it looked as if it would be another frustrating night, until Marc Cumberbatch got the late winner.

Churcher reflected on the season so far and feels a good run can propel Angels towards the upper reaches of the Ryman Premier League.

"I would say that out of all the games we have played, probably five or six of them we deserved to lose. After the Tooting match, I just couldn't believe we had lost that match but we just have to get on with it and start getting results.

"If we can get three or four wins, then we can start to climb the table and I still think there is sufficient quality in the side to do that. We have had injuries to key personnel, which hasn't helped due, to the size of the squad."

Angels face Dartford at the Longmead tomorrow. They have also been drawn at home to play Sittingbourne in the quarter-final of the Kent Senior Cup.