We would love to give our loyal fans something to really remember this season, says John Ovard

Thursday 19th December 2013
ASHFORD UNITED assistant manager John Ovard says he wants the club to be fighting on all fronts in the New Year.



Paul Chambers’ side are sitting proudly at the top of the Southern Counties East Football League table with 36 points from 13 games.

They are two points clear of Tunbridge Wells and are unbeaten in their last sixteen games.

Ashford United travel to fifth-placed Erith Town on Saturday and Ovard expects a tough battle against Mark Tompkins’ side.

“We are expecting a very tough game against a strong Erith side, who have some experienced players and we know we will have to battle and earn the right to play our style of football,” said Ovard.

Ovard says every member of the squad will play their part.

He said: “The Christmas period and especially January, with the amount of games we have to play, will have an impact on us but we’ll manage it properly and look forward to them.

“The importance of a good squad over this period is so vital to us and we will always field a team that will try to play, win and work hard for each other.”

Reflecting on their start to the season, Ovard is pleased.

He said: “It’s been a good start for the club, the players, Paul (Chambers) and myself so far this season. Everyone has worked very hard to get to this point and now the ownership issues have been sorted we feel even stronger as a club.

“There will be no complacency. We’ve had a good start but that’s it.  We have to concentrate even more now and try to push on.

“The players have been fantastic so far and I’m thoroughly enjoying working with them but we are only half way through so Paul and I will keep challenging them and pushing them on.”

Ashford United are one of seven Southern Counties East Football League clubs that have applied for Ryman League football – which is exactly where the club should be playing.

Ovard said: “We are still in four different competitions to compete in and we will try our best in all of them.  We would love to give our loyal supporters something to really remember this season.”

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

Erith Town  v  Ashford United
Southern Counties East Football League
Saturday 21st December 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Badgers Sports Ground, Middle Park Avenue, Eltham, London SE9 5HT