Danny Laslett believes the next five games will determine Ashford Hockey Club’s prospects in Kent/Sussex Regional 1 this season.

The Ball Lane side hit their straps with an impressive 10-2 win at strugglers BBHC on Saturday, jumping three places from sixth to third, five points behind unbeaten local rivals Folkestone.

However head coach Laslett knows tougher tests are around the corner, beginning with Saturday’s visit of Burnt Ash, one place above them in the table.

He said: “We have played some cracking hockey, but have struggled to score goals. Everything just clicked last weekend, when we were short on numbers with only 12 players available, including me and several players forced to play out of position.

"Hat-trick man Sam Handley was our stand-out player, Kiagh Bridges as sweeper and Paul Cheap also did well.

“Our fitness is definitely up there, helping us get through latter stages of games, and I am 100% pleased with the way things are going. I have got my feet under the table now and got to know the boys.

"They are working hard on the pitch, while things are great socially, off it."

The team have lost the services of skipper Toby Clifton-Holt, who looks set to be sidelined until the New Year having struggled with a disc problem. Long-serving Cheap has taken over.

Laslett said: “Toby was struggling to commit because of the injury, and has taken himself out the side for the time being. He was due to have injections this week, but I don’t think he will play again before the Christmas.”