Danny Kedwell will tread carefully with his players as Ashford United prepare for a big FA Cup tie.

The Nuts & Bolts host fellow Isthmian South East side Three Bridges in the first qualifying round on Saturday (3pm).

Boss Kedwell believes they have been feeling the effects of a busy schedule and hopes they are sufficiently recovered.

Ashford suffered their first defeat of the season on Bank Holiday Monday, going down 3-1 at Sittingbourne.

They led at half-time through Louis Collins but a fourth game in nine days took its toll as the Brickies hit back after the break.

“We ran out of steam in the second half,” said Kedwell, whose side twice fought back to draw 2-2 with Margate on Friday night.

“We were 1-0 up half-time and the boys defended really well at a tough place to go - Ryan Maxwell’s got a great squad there.

“I just think we’ve had four games in nine days, an extra game with the FA Cup replay against Harrow, and it took its toll.

“We’ve got a squad of 16, we haven’t got 18, 19, 20 players to mix it up.

“I think it showed a bit against Margate as well even though we came back twice to get a point in that game.

“We didn’t really create a lot of chances on Monday.

“Even our goal was a mistake from their keeper.

“I don’t think we had a shot after that.

“It was difficult for the boys but you can’t knock their effort with the amount of games and minutes they’ve played.

“We’ll try and do the right things before the weekend.

“We need to look after the boys that have played four 90 minutes in nine days, which a lot of them have.

“They looked disappointed on Monday but it was our first loss and I’m sure once we’ve had a rest, we’ll show our qualities.

“We’re a new team as well. There’s only a few who are still here from last year and it takes time to get where you want.

“It isn’t going to happen in three weeks.”

Three Bridges reached last season’s play-off final but have lost the services of star men Noel Leighton and Ibrahim Jalloh.

They’ve taken one point from three league games.

“It’s the FA Cup, so you never know what can happen,” said Kedwell, who is set to be without Noah Carney (ankle).

“All games are tough. Winning games is tough, no matter who you’re playing against.

“Whoever you play, there’s always tough parts of the game.

“We’ve just got to keep going in the right direction and Saturday’s going to be massive, being at home in the FA Cup.

“Hopefully there’ll be a big crowd again and a good atmosphere and I’m sure if the boys turn up it’ll be a good day.”

Kedwell praised Ashford’s character following their 2-2 draw with Kent rivals Margate.

Max Walsh cancelled out Harvey Brand’s opener and Jack Saunders earned a point nine minutes from time after Ibrahim Olutade restored the visitors’ lead.

“We’ve got good character in the team,” said Kedwell.

“We’re definitely a side that can come back from going behind

“We’ve shown that a few times this season.”