Andy Irvine admits his first goal for Ashford United is long overdue and hopes to break his duck at Sevenoaks on Saturday.

The striker has been frustrated by a niggling hamstring injury picked up at Lordswood in the second game of the season which has kept him out for nearly a month but now says he is close to full fitness and raring to go.

Irvine was hampered by ankle problems last season when he was at Tunbridge Wells and says this latest injury has proved frustrating.

“Two games in four days after just coming back from holiday proved just a little too much too soon.

“I thought I had got away with it but came back two games later at Rochester United and lasted three minutes.

He added: “It’s given me no aggravation since my latest return and with a slow comeback, I hope to keep my place in the team, get 90 minutes on Saturday and start banging in the goals.”

“I have never had to worry about scoring goals, if I am trying hard for the team, they will come. I am more bothered we dropped two points against Lordswood on Tuesday night."

United visit improving Sevenoaks, before travelling to leaders Erith & Belvedere in a top-versus-second Southern Counties East League clash the following weekend.

James Everitt is the club's major injury concern with a shin problem.