There are places to play for, says Ashford United boss Paul Chambers

ASHFORD UNITED boss Paul Chambers was delighted with how his new recruits came together to overcome Ryman League Division One South side Ramsgate at Homelands last weekend.



Ashford United are three leagues below the Rams but strikes from Lee Coburn, Stuart Zanone - his first for the club - and Mo Takaloo gave them a 3-1 win.

For Chambers it was the perfect start to their pre-season campaign.

He told www.ashfordunited.co.uk: "I think we played really well bearing in mind it was the first time a lot of the new lads had played together.

“We made nine changes at half-time too but all the boys went out there and did really well for us.

“Ramsgate are a good side and they put out their first team too which was a tough test.

“I’m not really surprised we did manage to beat them as I think all of our lads have it in them to go on and play a better standard.

“If we can show that same attitude and commitment every game this season I’d be well happy.

“I think all the lads have realised that there are places to play for and they’re showing a real desire to work hard.

“People have been saying we shouldn’t be playing teams like Ramsgate because they’re too high up in the league and that we should be playing teams below us.

“But I think we’ve shown that that is rubbish as when you play the Ramsgate’s, Hythe’s and Folkestone’s you get a proper workout and it’s a real test for the players.

“It improves everything about their game and it’s no good going out there and playing teams below you and winning five, six or seven-nil.

“Pre-seasons are always nice to win and it was good to get the result against Ramsgate.”

Chambers started the first half with Zanone, Aaron Firth and Gary Mickelborough up front while in the second half Takaloo, Tom Scorer and Sam Conlon led the line.

The Ashford manager was pleased with how both different frontlines got on.

He said: “It’s hard to highlight anyone as they were all so good. Stuart Zanone looks big, strong and quick and Tak (Takaloo) took his goal really well.

“We gave Tom Carr a start in goal and I was very impressed with his handling.
“It’s never easy being a keeper and coming into a new team like he has but he was very good.”

Liam Walsh picked up a slight hamstring injury but Chambers was pleased to report his squad had got through the first pre-season test unscathed.

Article written by Jack Wilson – www.ashfordunited.co.uk  

Ashford United  v  Folkestone Invicta
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 28^th July 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Homelands Stadium, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN26 1NJ