Kentish Express Ashford & District
Lye seeks six-point lead
UNITED BOSS WANTS SIDE TO HAVE MOVED CLEAR OF PACK BY CHRISTMAS
Danny Lye is targeting a six-point lead over the rest of the Southern Counties East League Premier Division at Christmas.
The Ashford United playerboss saw his side return to the summit with a 3-2 win over inform Sevenoaks at Homelands on Tuesday night, having been knocked off top spot at the weekend after losing at fellow title-contenders Crowborough.
Lye said: “It was our third defeat in 12 games and that’s not championship-winning form.
“Having gone top again, we now have to stay there, keep grinding out results and I want us to be six points clear heading towards the new year.”
Returning striker Adrian Stone is doubtful for the visit of Croydon on Saturday after picking up a hamstring injury against Sevenoaks following his unexpected return late last week.
Explaining the move, Lye said: “I have known Adrian for more than 15 years. We spoke in pre-season about him coming but I had Shaun
Wel f o r d and Paul Booth both here then.
“Boothy’s now left and with Shaun suspended, Adrian was the perfect replacement as the big man we want, with the way we play, his experience and eye for a goal.”
Lye also believes Tuesday’s hat-trick match-winner Rory Hill is capable of scoring 20-plus goals this season but says the player was upset with his own performance at half-time.
‘Having gone top again, we now have to stay there and keep grinding out results’
He said: “He was unhappy about the way he was playing despite scoring but then went out and completed his hat-trick, which showed the quality he has.”
Welford returns from his three-match ban on Saturday, while Nic Taylor retains his place in goal as George Kamurasi completes his similar lay-off.
Charlie Dickens and Tom Fagg are still both recovering from broken wrists, with Dickens due to have his cast removed soon.
Youngster Luke Miller, onloan from Greenwich Borough, has been named as United’s player-of-the-month for October. Lye has added Micky Phillips to the club’s backroom team, following Booth’s departure to work at Maidstone United.
Ashford’s home game against Whitstable Town has been given a new date for Tuesday, December 6.