By Kevin Redsull

Ashford Town may still be bottom of Ryman League Division 1 South, but as far as their management team of Steve Lovell and Hugo Langton are concerned better times are definitely just around corner.

Lovell (pictured) pointed to last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Met Police as further evidence, saying: "We are yet to get a win in the league, but the last few results have been very encouraging and I believe by Christmas we will be in a much better position in the league."

His assistant Langton was even more effusive, saying: "Before the (Met Police) game we probably would have settled for a draw, but afterwards we were disappointed not to have got three points because the lads were outstanding.

"And, although I know it sounds a bit weird because we are bottom of the table, but both Steve and myself are really excited about having the chance to work with this group of players.

"We can’t wait for the next training session because they are getting better all the time, although the fact our next game is in the FA Cup will mean that the players won’t need any motivating this weekend."

Ashford travel to Surrey on Saturday for an FA Cup 1st qualifying round tie with Leatherhead, who have made a reasonable start to their Ryman 1 South season with eight points from six games.

The Tanners’ faithful will expect their side to progress in view of the current league table, but Langton insisted: "We know all about Leatherhead, we’ve seen them play and to be honest we will go there fancying our chances."

Ashford will again be without John Guest because, as in the previous round against Mile Oak, Dartford don’t want the on-loan Guest to become cup-tied.

It will probably mean another call-up in central defence for Jon Ralph while Carl Harrold and Kevin Swaisland are both available again after serving one-match bans.

Langton also confirmed that Danny Lye, who returned to the side last Saturday after injury, has been made team captain with Ryan Briggs, becoming vice-captain.