TOGETHER TO SHAKE OFF RIVALS

Boss Danny Lye says Ashford United can’t afford too many slip-ups if they want to win the Southern Counties East League, Premier Division.

United travel to Deal Town in their first league outing of the year on Saturday, with the title race getting tighter by the game. Only four points cover the top six at the moment.

Lye said: “We need to win, no matter how it comes and start putting a run together.

“We have to begin well and be on our game from the start. When we do that, we are the best team in the league.

“We can afford to draw maybe two games but have to win the others.”

Lye put his squad through a 90-minute training session at Mote Park in Maidstone on Saturday, after being left without a game due to opponents Corinthian being involved in an FA Vase tie.

The game now takes place on Tuesday (7.45pm).

He said: “I had them running up hills on a circuit where Steve Lovell used to take us when I was a player at Ashford.

“I have always liked it but I think the boys were a bit sick, mentally and physically afterwards.”

New-boy Jason Goodchild joined them after signing from Ryman League, Division 1 North side Phoenix Sports.

He made his debut in the 4-1 League Cup win over Canterbury on Tuesday night.

Lye added: “He is a nononsense midfielder, wins tackles and is quite loud, which is what we need.

“That type of player is hard to find these days and a bit of a dying breed.

“He is a friend of Adrian Stone’s and came to watch us play against Tunbridge Wells. I spoke to him then and put seven days in.”

Stone (cup-tied) and skipper

‘We need to win, no matter how it comes’

Stuart West (suspended), both return to the squad after missing the League Cup win over Canterbury.

Player-of-the-month Ryan Palmer and player-coach Micky Phillips are also available.

Meanwhile, Lye has been fined £60 and warned about his future conduct by the Kent FA.

It follows him being sent from the dug-out by referee Peter Conn in the 3-2 home league win over Croydon on November 5.

Lye said: “I know what it’s like to be sent off as a player but it was the first time it happened to me as a manager.”