Are Ashford Town good enough to go up?

THE more I look at the Ryman South table the more I start to wonder who will win the all important promotion spots to the Ryman Premier League next season.

With the top eight sides separated by just six points, it just goes to show how competitive the league is this season. Three Kent sides occupy places in the top eight with Cray second, Ashford sixth and Sittingbourne seventh, but a team is yet to grab the league by the scruff of the neck.

After witnessing Ashford lose 2-0 to Cray Wanderers on Saturday and 4-1 to Whitstable Town last Tuesday, many people would say the Nuts and Bolts are out of the race.
Let’s look at the facts. Steve Lovell’s side have played more games than their rivals and are four points adrift of league leaders Kingstonian.
Ashford have also got to play four of the top eight in their remaining 11 games which include Merstham, Fleet Town, Worthing and finally Kingstonian on the last day of the season. Although these games are tough, winning them could be what decides this year’s Ryman South title.

The game against Cray was one of the worst performances of the season and Lovell was quick to admit his side did not compete. There is no doubt Ashford are a good side. To go 15 unbeaten in this league is a real achievement.

However, if Ashford are to mount a serious challenge then Lovell’s players will have to dig deep, fight for every ball and win every header, which was lacking on Saturday.
When looking at the contenders for promotion, two clubs come to my attention as to whether they could make it in the Ryman Premier. The two are Kingstonian and Ashford, both clubs who have fantastic facilities.

Ultimately to make it in the Ryman Premier, ambition and strong financial backing is required. At Ashford these boxes are most definitely ticked.

Tom Howard