Tommy Warrilow has a simple message for those criticising Ashford’s decision to postpone their game at Hastings - get a life.

The Nuts & Bolts called off Tuesday's match, at the invitation of the Isthmian League, due to ongoing fuel problems.

It was common sense, as far as Warrilow was concerned, but Ashford were soon copping stick from their rivals on social media.

“All I’ve heard is apparently we didn’t fancy it, which is ridiculous,” said Nuts & Bolts boss Warrilow.

“Look at our league - every single game was off. Seriously, what is wrong with these people? Get a life. It’s embarrassing.

“Do they not watch the telly and see what’s going on in the world? It’s a Tuesday night match, six games into the season, not a title decider. It isn’t Man United v Liverpool.

“These boys have got to get up for work in the morning.

"Are we asking them to drive to Hastings and use their petrol and then they might not be able to get to work in the morning or take the kids to school?

“It had to be postponed until there’s a better time to play it.

“All this stuff on social media is a joke. That’s why I’ve never done social media but I still seem to hear everything that’s on it.

“We had everyone available, we’ve always had good games with Hastings but what I’ve heard coming back over the fence, they should be ashamed.”

Ashford beat Chalfont St Peter 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the FA Trophy first qualifying round on Saturday.

Josh Wisson came off the bench to equalise and he also scored the winning spot-kick, while Tyler McCarthy saved three Chalfont penalties.

“Fair play to them,” said Warrilow. “They came with a game plan to sit behind the ball and, to be honest, we learnt a lot.

“We’ve got to be more inventive, move the ball quicker and start making more opportunities.

“We did have opportunities but it was just one of those games, it was slow, there was no atmosphere, it was a frustrating afternoon.

"I said to OB (assistant manager Alex O’Brien) it reminded me of a game at Tonbridge years ago that we dominated but the other team nicked it in the 89th minute and, as sure as eggs are eggs, they went and scored.

“Fair play to the boys, they could have said it was one of those days but they dug in, we made a few changes, pushed people on more and, thankfully, Wisso went on and got the goal.

“I’m pleased he got the penalty as well, because he hit the bar in the shoot-out against Chatham in the FA Cup, so scoring on Saturday buried that.”

Ashford, fuel allowing, host Three Bridges in Isthmian South East this Saturday.

Warrilow has made use of his squad this season, with players giving him food for thought as he works towards a settled XI.

“Everyone’s had game time this year,” he said.

“We’ve freshened it up and tried different things, some things have worked and some haven’t, but we’re joint-third in the league and through to the next round of the FA Trophy.

“There’s loads more to come from us but all the time we keep chalking off results, we’ll take that.

“Some of the changes have been through people not being available and sometimes it’s because we’ve felt people have deserved a chance.

“I have to keep reminding myself these boys haven’t played for a year-and-a-half - it’s going to take more than six games to get themselves going.

“We know we can improve on stuff but I’m not going to pile pressure on everyone - there’s no need to.

"All the boys are on their toes. I said at the start that no-one could walk in and put their shirt on the peg as if they’re starting.

“There’s a lot of competition, and some people might say that’s disruptive, but it isn’t.

“It’s the same system, they all know their jobs in the system, it’s a case of the boys taking the bull by the horns so they don’t come out.

“If we’re winning week in, week out, and we’re happy with how we’re playing, I’m not one to chop and change for the sake of it.

“But all the time there’s improvements to be made, there will be changes.”

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