Skipper’s tipping Salisbury for final

Michael Phillips is tipping Salisbury to go all the way to Wembley.

Ashford United’s last eight conquerors were paired with Hereford in Monday’s draw, a semi-final to be played over two legs next month.

Saturday’s 3-0 defeat was Ashford’s first in 12 games and skipper Phillips admitted: “The Wembley dream is over but we go again, are still chasing the Southern Counties East League title and the Kent Senior Trophy, so we have just got to go on another run.

“It was disappointing but they were a good team.

“We had a couple of good chances, we didn’t take them and they grew in confidence after that.”

He added: “The game was played at a fast pace, quicker than I thought it would be. They took it to us and have got some good players.

“We weathered the storm a little bit and we did quite well but the second goal killed us. It was sloppy play, we didn’t clear our lines and were made to pay for it.” Phillips (pictured) believes Salisbury will take some stopping, with the Hereford semi-final set to be played in front of two full houses.

He said: “I think they will get to the final. I have heard Hereford are good as well but I am sure Salisbury will be going through the leagues quickly and will probably be in Conference South in two or three years.

“We want to be in Ryman Division 1 South ourselves next season and there is no reason why we can’t do it.

“We had a good run at the Vase and should be proud of ourselves. We have got to take that into the league and pick up as many points as we can.”