Danny Kedwell has turned to a familiar face to boost his Ashford United squad.

Kedwell has signed Ronald Sithole, the young forward who was released by Gillingham last summer.

He previously worked with Sithole during his time as assistant manager at Chatham, where the teenager had a loan spell during their Isthmian South East title-winning season of 2022/23.

“We’ve signed Ronald to give us a bit of depth,” said Nuts & Bolts boss Kedwell. “We’ve only got a squad of 16 so we need more bodies in with all the games we’ve got coming up.

“He got released by Gillingham and went to Whitehawk for a bit but he didn’t enjoy the travelling.

“He’s a lively player and he lives in Ashford as well, so it’s good to get a local lad in.

“He was on loan at Chatham the year we won the league so I know what we’ve got and what he’s capable of.”

Ashford’s best FA Cup run in years ended at the weekend, losing 3-2 at higher-league Chertsey in the third qualifying round.

Two down in 18 minutes, the Southern League Premier South side added a third early in the second half.

Gary Lockyer replied from the penalty spot - his 10th goal in this season’s competition and one that maintains his hopes of winning the Golden Ball top scorer award.

Max Walsh added Ashford’s second deep into stoppage time.

“We weren’t at the races in the first half,” said Kedwell.

“I think we gave Chertsey too much respect.

“We could have scored before they did and, looking back at their first goal, it’s miles offside.

“The linesman isn’t up with play but that gives them a little buzz as the home side and lifts them.

“Second half, we’ve given it a right good go.

“It was a much better performance, we just ran out of time.

“It’s hard to get back from 3-0 down.

“It’s a shame we’re out but we’ve had a good cup run, so I can’t complain.

“I’m hoping that goal might be enough for Gary to get the Golden Ball.

“That’s 10 goals, so he must have a decent chance.”

Ashford are in FA Trophy third qualifying round action this Saturday (3pm).

Again they face Southern League Premier South opposition, in the form of high-flying Walton & Hersham.

The Swans are back in Kent a week on from losing 2-1 at Tonbridge Angels in the FA Cup.

“We don’t seem to play any league games (just four so far) but we want to do well in the Trophy,” said Kedwell.

“It’s always good for the club to go on cup runs.

“Walton & Hersham are another good side. It will be a tough game.”

Ashford’s FA Cup exit means they finally return to Isthmian South East action at home to Broadbridge Heath on October 12.

There’s encouraging news on the injury front, with forward-turned-wing-back Noah Carney back in training after several weeks out.

But Marley St Louis is ruled out of the Trophy tie after suffering concussion at Chertsey.