Four successive wins may have re-ignited Ashford men’s 1sts’ Kent/Sussex Regional 1 season but skipper Sam Handley believes a place in the end of season hockey play-offs will still be a bonus.

A month ago, with the team still in transition following the New Year departure of player-coach Aaron Glass, Handley admitted the change had helped him re-define the club’s options for the rest of the season.

They put a 7-0 defeat against Holcombe firmly behind them, following up with victories over Old Williamsonians, King’s & Alleyn’s, Gore Court and Blackheath & Old Elthamians, and aim to continue their winning run with a double success at Canterbury Pilgrims on Saturday, and Maidstone the following weekend.

Handley said: “It is still all about focusing on ourselves. It was a tough one when Aaron left, and the pressure was on. However, Rob Playford and I have worked hard together as coach and captain on tactics, personnel and game plans. It has been better than expected in terms of team morale, with everybody busting a gut for each other.”

"I think it has become more enjoyable, winning games helps, but we also socialise together as a team and everyone is working hard on and off the pitch.”

Last weekend’s win puts Ashford level with Gore Court on 32 points, five behind second-placed Burnt Ash, and six adrift of leaders Holcombe.

Ashford reached the play-offs 12 months ago before losing to Middlesex namesakes Ashford in the semi-finals.