I have played against Peter Adeniyi over the years so I am looking forward to a new battle with him, says Ashford United boss Danny Lye

ASHFORD UNITED boss Danny Lye says he has plenty of attacking options for their Bostik South opener against Carshalton Athletic tomorrow.

The club sealed promotion from the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division after winning an enthralling title race by finishing a couple of points clear of Crowborough Athletic.

The visit of Peter Adeniyi marks the return of Isthmian League football to Homelands Stadium for the first time since Ashford Town finished third-from-bottom in 2010.

“The club are very excited to finally be competing in the Bostik South League. Everyone knows at the club how difficult the first season will be in a new division,” said Lye.

“Our pre-season has been an up and down one as we have picked up a lot of injuries, so the team has not yet settled.

“We know our first fixture against Carshalton will be a very tough game as people are touting them for the title.

“I have played against Peter Adeniyi over the years so I am looking forward to a new battle with him.

“The club is steadily improving and becoming a better place to be around with the new Academy ready to start in September.

“Our under 21 side has some very good players coming through and the club will need them to grow into the senior team very quickly.   With limited budget and a small squad will ensure they get plenty of chances this season.

“With regard to our senior squad we said farewell to Ryan Palmer, Stuart West, George Savage and Joe Vines, who were all vital to last years success.

“With going into a new league you have to swap your squad around and we decided we needed fresh faces in attacking areas.

“We managed to pull off a great deal to bring Tyrel Richard-Brown in from Burgess Hill who has massive energy and scores goals.

“We also signed ex-Millwall youngster Matt Day, who came in on loan at the end of last season. He has huge potential but is still very new to the non-league game. 

“With Adrian Stone, Shaun Welford, Rory Hill also at the club it gives us very good options up top to pick from.

“We have also re-signed Chris Elliot to add to our defensive positions.  He brings good quality on the pitch and I am looking forward to seeing him play again.”

Visit Ashford United’s website:  www.ashfordunitedfc.com

Ashford United  v  Carshalton Athletic
Bostik South Division
Saturday 12^th August 2017
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Homelands Stadium, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN26 1NJ