Fans' pitch in so Wings' visit can go ahead

ASHFORD TOWN’S pre-season friendly against Welling United WILL take place at The Homelands on Tuesday night, writes Sam Dixon.

After a fantastic effort from the Ashford Town fans, the pitch is now playable after the postponement on Saturday.

With the start of the new campaign rapidly approaching, Nuts and Bolts manager Steve Lovell is delighted with the way his side are shaping up and believes competition for places will benefit his players.

Despite falling to a heavy defeat at the hands of Ryman Premier side Dover Athletic at the weekend Lovell believes his men are progressing well.

“Training has been going really well, the lads are getting fitter and I’m sure that will show in the upcoming games,” Lovell told www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk.

“Against Dover I thought we played well and probably could have scored a few more, at the end of the day Dover just looked that little bit sharper.

“What I have told the lads though is that I don’t want them to peak too soon, it’s all about being ready for the 16th August when we play Walton Casuals.”

Lovell has bolstered his squad this summer by bringing in four players, including recent acquisitions Josh Willis and Bradley Spice, and he is happy to see the players fighting out for a starting berth come August.

“We have strengthened well. Josh was training with Eastbourne over the summer but we managed to snap him up and he will compete with Jamie Riley for the number one jersey.

“Bringing in Bradley now means that we four quality strikers now battling it out for two places. He has got great pace and is a natural goal scorer so it keeps everyone on their toes.”

Another transfer target, Robbie Ryan, is also set to sign for the club once he recovers from the injury he suffered against Hythe and Lovell sees the former Millwall left-back as a direct replacement for the departed Daniel Brathwaite.

He said: “Robbie will sign up as soon as he recovers. He is an experienced player and will fill the left-back position. At the moment we are giving everyone a run and all the lads are looking to impress.

“We probably won’t see the first choice eleven until the Thamesmead game, or even the Tonbridge Angels one a week later.”

Ashford Town, meanwhile, issued the following statement toady, concerning their pitch.

It said: “All the management at the club would like to apologise to supporters for the ground change on Saturday and hope that fans will be able to make it down to Homelands tomorrow and get behind the team with the start of the season looming.

“The pitch is progressing nicely and fans will be able to see the marked improvement during the Welling clash.

“The club will be extending their apologies to Dover Athletic as well and would like to thank them for allowing the game to go ahead at the Crabble.

“All at Ashford Town would like to thank everyone for their help in getting the surface ready and are encouraging fans to support Steve and his men as they continue their preparations for the new season.”

Article courtesy of www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk

Ashford Town v Welling United
Pre-Season Friendly
Tuesday 29^th July 2008
Kick Off 7:45pm
At The Homelands, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN26 1NJ