Manager Tommy Warrilow says it’s time his Ashford players got a massive pat on the back.

The Nuts & Bolts regained second place in Isthmian South East with Tuesday night’s 2-1 victory over Three Bridges.

Gary Lockyer scored both goals - including an 85th-minute winner - to follow his effort in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Hythe.

Ashford’s form this season has been achieved against a well-documented background of big changes to the squad and a catalogue of injuries.

They’re building as they go and it’s testament to the players that the Nuts & Bolts sit second, three points behind leaders Ramsgate with a game in hand.

“I’ve got to give the lads full credit for what they’re doing,” said boss Warrilow.

“We all know the situation we’re in this season but to be second in the league, with a game in hand, they deserve a massive pat on the back.

“We know we’ve been in and out of games, and we know there’s loads more to come, but big kudos to them.

“It’s a fantastic achievement to be where we are in the circumstances, and with all the players we’ve got out.”

Ashford were forced into another new signing before the Three Bridges game after losing goalkeeper Jacob Russell.

He’s had a scan on a shoulder injury sustained during his player-of-the-match display at Hythe.

Former Margate goalkeeper Pat Ohman joined on dual-registration from Concord, and enjoyed a solid debut in Ashford’s midweek victory.

“Pat slotted straight in,” said Warrilow. “Jacob was in a lot of pain on Saturday night.

“He had the scan on Monday and we’re waiting on the results.

“We don’t know the extent of the injury, so it’s good we’ve got Pat in. I thought he had a fantastic debut.

“It’s a really good win. To be honest, we should have been out of sight at half-time. If we’d been 3-0 up it wouldn’t have been an injustice but we came in at 1-0.

“We knew Three Bridges were good on the counter, they equalised and you’re wondering what’s going to happen.

“Are we delicate? Are we going to crumble? What are we going to do?

“We kept knocking on the door and showed massive character to get the win. We could make life easier for ourselves, we know that, but I’m delighted with the win.”

Mikey Dalton (ankle) joined the injury list while Rob Saunders has been ruled out by Covid.

Ashford visit Sittingbourne this Saturday, with Warrilow unmoved by the Brickies’ indifferent home form that’s seen them win just once at Woodstock this season.

“That means nothing to me,” he said. “Everyone knows how they strengthened in the summer and the quality players they brought in.

“I don’t care if they’ve won every home game or lost every home game, I have to concentrate on getting my team playing consistently. That’s the bottom line.

“We’ll train on Thursday and it’ll be good to get some feedback from the boys.

“How’s this working? How’s that’s working? I want them to be asking questions as well.”

* Ashford United Ladies are through to the First Round proper of the Women’s FA Cup.

They beat Headstone Manor 4-0 at Homelands in the Third Qualifying Round on Sunday, thanks to goals from Jenny Newman (2), Jodie Cain and Becky Wyatt.

The Nuts & Bolts have been drawn away to Hounslow or Clapton Community on November 13, with £6,000 in prize money up for grabs.