SIMPLY GOT THE BETTER OF HIM

Danny Lye is waiting to learn if he faces any punishment after being ordered from the dugout during Ashford United’s Southern Counties East League win over Croydon on Saturday.

The player-boss admits frustration over a couple of decisions early in the second half – one involving the visitors’ opening goal and the other a booking for Rory Hill – got the better of him and he was sent to the stands by referee Peter Conn.

Lye said: “I spoke to him (the referee) and he said ‘get back in your box’ which I didn’t take too kindly to.

“I know what it’s like to be sent off as a player but it’s the first time it has happened to me as a manager.

“I think I might get a ban but I don’t know what the procedure is now.”

United scored three late goals to win 3-2 but Lye wasn’t disappointed by his side’s performance, despite them being 2-0 down.

He said: “We played well, had 24 shots on goal and it was a one-sided game.”

Shaun Welford was due back from suspension for the game but the striker wasn’t risked after tweaking a groin in the warm-up.

United start their FA Vase campaign with a second round trip to Southern Combination League Premier Division side Eastbourne Town on Saturday.

Lye said: “Getting to the quarter-finals (losing 1-0 at Salisbury in February) made our season and brought a lot of excitement to the club.

“Eastbourne have had a mixed bag of results but there could have been easier draws.”

Goalkeeper George Kamurasi is available after completing his three-match ban but faces a challenge for the No.1 shirt from replacement Nic Taylor.

‘I think I might get a ban but I don’t know what the procedure is now’

Meanwhile, Charlie Dickens has left the club to join Ryman League, Premier Division Harlow Town.

The defender, United’s young player-of-the-year last season, trained with the Essex club in preseason, before returning to Homelands.

Lye said: “I like Charlie, he is aggressive but we have got Ryan James and Dave Botterill who give us options at left back.”