Hopefully it's the start of something good for the club, says Ashford United assistant John Ovard

ASHFORD UNITED assistant manager John Ovard says he wants the club to continue their run in The FA Carlsberg Vase.

Ashford United are presently sitting in fifth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League, having won seven of their eight league games.  They are seven points adrift of leaders Tunbridge Wells, but they do have four games in hand on Martin Larkin’s side, who reached The FA Vase Final last season, going down to a 2-1 defeat to Spennymoor Town at Wembley Stadium.

Ashford United welcome Littlehampton Town to Homelands Stadium on Saturday in The FA Vase Second Round.

The Marigolds lie in third-place in the Sussex County League top-flight, having won eight and drawn one of their 12 league outings.

They are 12 points adrift of league leaders East Preston, who head the Division One table.

Ashford United have reached this stage of the competition with wins over Steyning Town (2-0), Cobham (4-1), and Greenwich Borough (4-1).

“We’re looking forward to the game,” said Ovard.

“It’s a good competition in which we’ve done well in so far and would like to progress further.

“We’re at home in front of our supporters whose numbers have increased recently so we want to continue our good form and keep a positive buzz around the place.”

One concerned supporter contacted the website this week to ask: “I wonder if you know what is happening at the Homelands as little is forthcoming from the new owner. If you do, you know more than most of us supporters!

“The (club) website has gone and we can only assume that we have a game on Saturday.”

Ovard said manager Paul Chambers has met with Don Crosbie, who has re-emerged as the club’s new joint-owner.

“I’ve not personally met them yet, I am doing so Saturday,” said Ovard.

“Paul has and he was encouraged with what he heard so hopefully it’s the start of something good for the club as we continue to rebuild.”

Ashford United  v  Littlehampton Town
The FA Carlsberg Vase Second Round
Saturday 16^th November 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Homelands Stadium, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN26 1NJ