Kentish Express Ashford & District
‘We’re still in control’
MANAGER DOESN’T WANT OVER-REACTION AFTER DEFEATS
Tommy Warrilow insists there will be no overreaction as Ashford bid to recover from back-to-back defeats.
It’s the first time United have lost two in a row since Warrilow was appointed manager in November.
They’re now fifth in Bostik South East and travel to face the side chasing them for the final play-off spot this weekend.
But Warrilow is playing down the trip to Whyteleafe, who are seven points behind Ashford with 10 games to go.
He said: “Whether we win, lose or draw, we’re still in control with 27 points to play for.
“At the end of March, when another four or five games have gone, that’s when you start having a look around because some teams will be out of reach and we’ve just got to make sure we don’t start getting a little bit baggy. If we were all over the place and playing poorly, I’d be worried but everything’s gone so well since we’ve gone in.
“I’ve been in football long enough to know you’re going to get periods like this but we’re not playing badly.”
Ashford lost 2-0 at home to Phoenix Sports on Saturday, seven days on from their 2-1 reverse at Herne Bay.
Warrilow said: “We’ve lost a game and we’ve got to accept any criticism but when I stripped it back and thought about it, the first half wasn’t acceptable and our tempo wasn’t right but we totally dominated the second half.
“I’m not too despondent but I’m aware we’ve had two losses on the spin. It happens and we’ve got to mak ure we th a massive over-reaction to it.
“In a couple of weeks, we could be out of it or everyone could start winning again and keeping it as tight as it is.
“We’ve still got play a lot of the teams in and around us so it’s down to us.
“This is the first blip we’ve had. It’s two losses and we’ve got to accept the rough with the smooth but at the same time, not go overboard because we were on a fantastic run.We’ve been in charge for 13 games and only lost three of them so that’s a good return.
“We’re gutted to lose but things like this happen. The important thing for us is to not over-react.
“I’m not too concerned about Whyteleafe. They’re a good side but we’ll make sure we’ve got everyone fit and raring to go.”
Sam Mott returns in goal on Saturday but striker Theo Fairweather-Johnson has been released.