By Joe Harbert

Tariq Ossai praised Ashford’s ruthless display at Guernsey on Saturday, and insists they now want to finish the season by dominating Isthmian South East.

United, who brushed aside their latest challenge with a 6-0 victory on the Channel Island, remain top of the division on goal difference, but having played a game more than second-place Hastings.

However, former Crystal Palace youngster Ossai admits the side’s scintillating form has left him feeling nothing but confident of title glory.

“Saturday was another great result,” the defender said.

“We were very diligent with the way we came out after half-time.

“Normally at 3-0 teams would let the boat sail until the end of the game, but for us we really wanted to finish Guernsey off and continue the strong run we’ve been on.

“We weren’t great last Tuesday in the (Kent Senior) cup against Phoenix (when they lost 2-1), but Saturday showed that it hasn’t disrupted anything we’ve been doing in the league and the right direction we’ve been going in.

“When I joined in mid-December, we only had two or three substitutes on the bench, but since that time we’ve strengthened the squad in quite a few areas.

“We were also fifth at that point and our aim was to start knocking the teams above us out of the way, and now we’re sitting top of the table.

“So if we continue to have the same drive going forward, I see no doubt at any point that we can’t stay there and dominate this league.”

Ossai, who has featured in 12 out of a possible 13 matches since arriving from National League South outfit Chippenham Town in December, believes United also have the ingredients to mount a challenge higher up the footballing pyramid in years to come.

The 20-year-old added: “With open eyes I can see this club bombing on into the Isthmian Premier and then hopefully all the way to the National League.

“Dulwich Hamlet for example took a massive jump from our league and they’re now in National League South and doing well.

“Obviously at the moment we’re not in the league above yet, and of course we can never overlook a team because this division has a lot of surprises.

“Tommy is very keen on his shape work and we’re playing in a formation that is working for us and paying off, so we’ll do our training rituals and then go into Saturday against Chichester looking for the win.”

United play the reverse fixture against Chichester in West Sussex on Tuesday following Saturday’s match at Homelands.

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