Ashford boss Steve Lovell wants to put the disappointing end to 2009 behind him and embark on a season-saving run in the New Year.

Basement-boys Town lost the Boxing Day derby 1-0 at Ryman League Division 1 South leaders Folkestone Invicta before Tuesday’s clash with Ramsgate at Homelands was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Lovell hopes the weather will improve in time to allow a rematch against Invicta on Saturday to go ahead, and says the Nuts and Bolts should try to emulate their rivals if they want to prosper.

He said: “I was talking to (Invicta boss) Neil Cugley and last year he lost most of his players and had to play the kids.

“He said they didn’t win a game for the first 10 matches or so, but he kept the team together and look at them now.

“There have been several players we’ve not been able to call on this season and we have a small and young squad. It’s not ideal but we have had to blood a lot of youngsters and it will help them and benefit the club in the long run. You can take positives out of the negative.

“I have got a great bunch of lads, they work hard, the dressing room is good, we just need to keep believing.”

With the visit of Folkestone on the horizon, Scott Chalmers-Stevens remains sidelined but could return within a fortnight, though Paul Jones’ groin strain is taking longer to heal than expected and the striker is consulting a specialist.

Toby Ashmore remains out with a fractured foot while Joe Fuller’s foot injury has recovered enough to allow him to run, though he cannot strike a ball without pain.

Keeper Seb Barton will be out for another three months with a serious knee injury but Ross Morley should return on Saturday after missing the Boxing Day game due to family commitments.