We will not throw all away our hard work, says Langton

ASHFORD TOWN assistant manager Hugo Langton says the race for the Ryman League Division One South title will go down to the last kick of the season, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Nuts & Bolts welcome Ian Jenkins Cray Wanderers side to The Homelands with both sides in the Ryman League Division One South play-off zone in what is a big weekend for both Kent clubs.

Worthing (52 points) are the new league leaders, following their midweek win, but just two points separate the top six sides, with Cray Wanderers in fourth place and Ashford in fifth.

“Tomorrow is obviously a tough game,” Langton told www.kentishfootball.co.uk this morning. “Cray are a very good side and have had a few good results of late.

“We’re looking to bounce back after our midweek set-back at Whitstable, and I think we could have a decent open game of football tomorrow.

“A lot of sides come to us and set themselves up to frustrate and try to leave with a draw, but I can’t see Cray doing that. They, like us, will want to win this game.”

Ashford’s impressive fifteen match unbeaten end came to a crashing defeat at Whitstable Town in midweek, as Craig Wilkins’ goal wasn’t enough in a 4-1 defeat at the KRBS Belmont.

Ian Pulman did the damage, netting a hat-trick, with Danny Tipple getting the other as Marc Seager’s side kept up their good form of late.

And Forest Hill based Langton added, “There’s no need to dwell on Tuesday night’s result, as too many of our players had off nights.

“It happens and it’s football, but now we have to react positively. There is no point dwelling on it, the players know the score, and they don’t become bad footballers overnight.

“This is football and you can’t always have your own way. Credit to Whitstable, they were bang on the money and we weren’t.

“We cannot argue with the result, and we wish Marc and his side the very best. They can have a big say in the title and play-off race as they play all the sides in and around it.”

Whoever wins tomorrows derby showdown will certainly be pleased with their efforts, but Langton said it won’t make or break anyone’s campaign.

“There is still everything to play for,” he said. “It’s going to be an exciting run in, two points separate the top six and I don’t think whatever happens in all the games tomorrow will make or break anyone’s season as there is still plenty of football to be played.

“It’s highly possible that everything could be decided on the final day of the season. It’s an exciting league, and there will be a few more twists and turns yet.

“Look at Kingstonian (who have been leading the table for most of the season), I watched them on Monday. Many people wouldn’t have seen that result coming, but Croydon Athletic were first class and worthy winners.”

So, a terrific match is on the cards tomorrow, and Langton says it’s important that the brilliant vocal Ashford faithful get behind their sides as usual.

“We have been on a terrific run, and it came to an end, but you have to lose sometimes,” said Langton.

“We have worked so hard over the last three or four months to get ourselves into a good position, and we’re not keen on throwing away all this hard work.

“Both Steve (Lovell) and I have so much belief in our players, that’s why they play for Ashford Town, and they are a terrific group who are desperate to do well.

“I hope our superb supporters turn out in their numbers tomorrow and really get behind us, like they have been all season.

“Since I have been at the club, they have been nothing short of amazing, and they have such a positive effect on the players with their non-stop signing.”

The club confirmed this week that striker Bradley Spice has left by mutual consent due to his ongoing family commitments.

Spice joined the Nuts and Bolts from Sittingbourne at the beginning of the season and scored four goals in 23 appearances for the club.

However, in recent weeks the 25 year-old has struggled to force his way into the first-team and with a young family, the player and the club have decided to part company.

Commenting on the departure of Spice, boss Steve Lovell told www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk, "I'm sorry to see Bradley go because I believe that he would've become a key player here at Ashford. He is a natural goal-scorer but I don't believe we saw the best of him because of his off-field problems.

“I hope everything gets sorted for Brad and I'm sure that he will go on to enjoy a good career."

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game.

Visit Ashford Town’s website: www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk
 
Visit Cray Wanderers’ website: www.craywands.co.uk

Ashford Town v Cray Wanderers
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 21^st February 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Homelands, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN26 1NJ