By Andrew Gidley

Mark Patterson still hopes that Ashford Town’s Youth and Academy youngsters will be playing at Homelands this season.

Former co-owner Don Crosbie had agreed to the move, but Patterson, pictured, the head of Ashford’s youth section, is hoping financial terms can be agreed with new owner Tony Betteridge, allowing them to play there on Sundays and in midweek.

Patterson said: "We spoke last week, and he didn’t say no. I am just waiting to hear back."

The demise of the senior club means that Ashford have been removed from the FA Youth Cup, but Patterson confirmed they will field teams in the Ryman Youth League and Valley Express Kent Youth League.

The Academy team play at Deal on Thursday, while the under-15s were due to play Gillingham at the University of Kent in Canterbury on Wednesday. The under-18s travel to Stoke on Friday.

Patterson said: "We are looking to play games against Centres of Excellence and Academy sides when they can fit us in. We have got good links with several clubs including Leyton Orient, Millwall, Southend and Luton.

"The youth section is thriving, and moving forward. We have got 100 boys involved and everything is very positive."