We must remain focused in our promotion charge, says Lovell

Sunday 15th February 2009

ASHFORD TOWN boss Steve Lovell says leading goalscorer Paul Jones is expected to feature at Whitstable Town on Tuesday night, writes Stephen McCartney.

Lovell rested the 13-goal striker for yesterday’s 1-1 draw at Sittingbourne, as the former Folkestone Invicta hit-man suffered a hamstring injury during the midweek 2-1 home win over Godalming Town.

But Jones is expected to return to action for the trip to the KRBS Belmont, against a Whitstable Town side that have hit form at the right time.

Marc Seager’s side came away from Whyteleafe with a goal-less draw yesterday, and are now seven points clear of the relegation zone in fifteenth place in the Ryman League Division One South table.

Lovell, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk, after his side stretched their unbeaten run to fifteen games with a point at Bourne Park, expects a tough game against a side managed by a close friend.

"Marc lives about 100 yards away from me in Rainham, so we’re in contact with each other quite often,” said Lovell.

“He’s doing a good job down there, he’s got a decent side and it will be a tough game.

“No-one likes going down there midweek. We’ve got to be on our mettle, otherwise we won’t get anything out of it.”

Lovell remains focused on the Whitstable game, putting Saturday’s home game against Cray Wanderers to the back of his mind for the time being.

Ian Jenkins’ side brushed aside Burgess Hill Town at Hayes Lane yesterday, courtesy of two goals form Lewis Wood and one from Richmond Kissi, starting a game for the first time, having scored the last-gasp winning against Metropolitan Police in their last game.

The Wands are joint-top of the table, level on points with Kingstonian, although Lovell’s men have slipped to third place.

Only two points separate the top five sides in the table and Lovell knows his side must maintain their impressive run of form if they’re to clinch promotion.

“I said February would be a big month for us, with most of the top sides playing against each other,” said Lovell.

“We’ve got to go out on Tuesday and perform like we have done in the last couple off months, but we’ll think of Saturday’s (game against Cray Wanderers) after Tuesday.

“Tuesday is a big game for us, for Marc Seager of Whitstable, and ourselves.

“It’s a tough league to get out of. Dover ran away with it earlier on in the season last year, but in the end there were teams catching them up.

“I’s a tough league and you’ve got to be at it every game, no matter who you’re playing. If not, you can end up losing games.”

Visit Ashford Town’s website: www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk

Visit Whitstable Town’s website: www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk

Whitstable Town v Ashford Town
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 17th February 2009
Kick Off 7:45pm
At KRBS Belmont, Belmont Road, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1QP