Former Ashford captain Ben Gorham is back at Homelands.

The central defender has rejoined the Nuts & Bolts from Isthmian South East rivals Sittingbourne.

He replaces summer signing Ryan Sawyer, who’s been released by boss Tommy Warrilow.

“I think Ben will be a fantastic addition for the second half of the season,” said Warrilow.

“He’s been the skipper here and he brings good experience.

“He’s good on the ball, he’s quick and he’s a threat from set-pieces, which is something we need.

“If someone comes up who I feel will improve us, I’ll act on it and that’s what I’ve done.

“I’ve spoken to Ryan and explained the situation.

“He hasn’t done a lot wrong but sometimes you have to make horrible decisions as a manager.

“He gives absolutely everything and that’s all you can ask. He’s brave, he’s strong, he’s a great lad.

“It’s not personal - it’s football. I wish him all the best for the future.”

Warrilow is looking to arrest an “unacceptable” run of results that have seen Ashford take only five points from six games.

Goals from Danny Parish and Gary Lockyer put them in charge at Lancing on Saturday but they lost 3-2, with the hosts’ winner coming in the sixth minute of added time.

Ashford have fallen seven points behind leaders Ramsgate, in sixth place, with the Lancing loss a third defeat in four matches.

The Nuts & Bolts host bottom side Faversham on Boxing Day (1pm).

“We’ve got to pull our finger out,” said Warrilow. “At the moment, it’s not good enough.

“I’m not going to tiptoe around it. Five points from six games is unacceptable - I know that - and we’ve got to do something.

“We’re making things hard for ourselves where we’re not taking our chances at one end and gifting teams goals at the other end.

“With a run of form like we’ve had, we should be 20 points adrift but we’re not.

“We’re bang on halfway through the season after Boxing Day and it’s important we win that game.

“Are we capable of going on a run of wins? Of course we are.

“We’re seven points off the top, 10 if Ramsgate win their game in hand. We can make that up in the second half of the season.

“I’m not happy with the results but am I happy with the squad and the players we have? Yes, I am.

“It’s down to me to find the formula to get things right.

“We’re a lot stronger going into the second half of the season than we were at the start of the season, when we were trying to get a side together.

“What we’re looking for now is a bit of consistency.”

Ashford are set to welcome back goalkeeper Jacob Russell against Faversham.

He’s missed the last two months with a shoulder injury but was on the bench at Lancing.

The Lilywhites inflicted Ashford’s first defeat of the season over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

They’re bottom of the table and on their third manager this season, with Sammy Moore the latest incumbent after leaving Potters Bar.

However, they’ve made significant signings in recent weeks, with the likes of Zak Ansah and Kieron Campbell on board.

“Everyone knows what’s going on at Faversham,” said Warrilow. “You can’t go on the league table - they will be a tough nut to crack.”