Ashford manager Tommy Warrilow is in the market for a forward after two departures.

Luke Burdon has dropped two levels to join Larkfield & New Hythe in Southern Counties East Division 1, while summer signing, Frenchman Emile Ngoy, has been released.

Burdon looked set to play a big part at Homelands this season but decided to move on, scoring twice for his new club at the weekend.

“It’s frustrating to lose Luke,” said Warrilow.

“He knows the door’s open if he wants to come back.

“He had a chance to play more games here this year.

“Gary Lockyer’s gone, Jay May’s gone, Tashi-Jay Kwayie’s gone, Tommie Fagg’s gone but he’s made that decision to go and we wish him well.

“As one door shuts, hopefully another one opens.”

Ashford brought big forward Ngoy down from Scotland before the start of the season.

He’s had opportunities to show what he can do but the move hasn’t worked out and Ashford will explore other options.

“I don’t want to kill the lad but I don’t think he’s the answer,” said Warrilow. “I’ve been doing this job long enough to know.

“He’s a lovely lad but he’s not fit, he’s not ready.

“It just didn’t work out for him but I wish him well.”

Warrilow, whose side host Hanworth Villa in the FA Cup first qualifying round on Saturday (3pm), is working hard to bring in a new striker.

It’s not an easy time of year to recruit but that won’t stop the manager trying, having seen his side lack a clinical edge over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Johan ter Horst scored twice but Ashford blew a two-goal lead to draw with East Grinstead in Isthmian South East on Saturday, the game going ahead after the 3G pitch at Homelands passed a retest.

That was followed by a 1-0 defeat at Faversham on Monday, a game Ter Horst sat out through injury.

“It doesn’t take Einstein to work out we need to bring another forward in,” said Warrilow.

“The problem at the moment is, if you’re looking at the loan market, we’ve got FA Cup and FA Trophy games this month and nine times out of 10, clubs don’t want their players getting cup-tied.

“Take those games out and that’s the month gone. I’m making calls, something will turn up.

“There’s no panic stations, I don’t think there’s a lot wrong.

“We’ve lost one game, we take the criticism that comes our way, but it’s important to put things into perspective.

“I’m happy with the goalkeeping situation, I’m happy with the defence, I’m happy with the midfield, it’s just getting it right up front.

“I need to make a decision on the combination we’re going with.

“We played really well on Saturday, we should have been out of sight, and on Monday we got in good areas and broke well, we were just lacking firepower.”

Cup opponents Hanworth are 15th in Isthmian South Central, the equivalent level to Ashford.

Warrilow expects them to offer a stern test at Homelands.

“I know a few managers in their league and I know one of their strikers, Duncan Culley, who’s a good lad. They’re no mugs.

“Whoever we play, whether they’re bottom of the SCEFL or top of the league above, I treat them with the same respect.”