FOCUS ON THEIR OWN EFFORTS

Danny Lye is ready for the final countdown in the Southern Counties East League, Premier Division title race.

A 10-goal superior goal difference keeps Ashford United ahead of title rivals Crowborough Athletic with two games left.

United travel to Croydon on Saturday, before finishing at home to Rochester United the following week, while Crowborough host Beckenham Town this weekend, ahead of a final day trip to Hollands & Blair.

United boss Lye said: “We are going to tick each 45 minutes off as we go and that’s all we can do.

“I’m not keeping tabs on every minute of everything Crowborough do. Somebody told me after Monday’s win over Canterbury they had won 6-2 at Fisher but we can’t worry about what they are doing – it’s all about us.”

Nearly 800 fans watched the two games at Homelands over the Easter weekend and Lye believes settling the issue of ownership and the club’s great form has been a big boost on and off the pitch.

He said: “Everybody feels part of the club again and there is a buzz back around the place.”

Lye says the form of Dan Stubbs, back to his best after surgery to reconstruct his knee and the capture of two more experienced players, Richard Avery and Joe Vines, have helped United’s cause but it’s the arrival of local boy Matt Day which has created plenty of interest.

He said: “Matt is 17, lives at Tenterden and played for our under-13s, before going to Millwall. He is being released at the end of the season and has been keeping fit, training and playing with the under-18s.

“We watched him play and liked what we saw.”

He added: “Matt has got exit trials coming up for youngsters being let go by pro clubs and somebody might take him but if they don’t, we hope he will be part of our set-up and could be one for the future.

“Dan has played in the Conference and gives us experience along with Richard and Joe, who we wanted to come in, be vocal and organise.

“They took a little bit of time to settle but everybody has now bought into them.

“Vinesy hasn’t started the last few games but he is still contributing, both on the bench and in the dressing room.”

hosts the Ashford Charity Trophy final, between New Romney Reserves and Faversham United tonight (Thursday, 7.30pm).