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Ashford United are heading west again this Saturday as cup underdogs.
Danny Kedwell’s men have enjoyed back-to-back Isthmian League South East wins on their travels into Sussex with victories at East Grinstead and Eastbourne.
A bigger challenge awaits, however, when they face Lewes in the FA Trophy first round.
Kedwell said: “It’s a big game and it’s a free hit for us, we are the underdogs, so all the pressure is on them.
“It’s a cup game, so you never know, but it will be very tough down there. I experienced playing there a couple of times last year and through the years.
“Lewes are flying in the league but our boys will enjoy it, they like the draw, and sometimes you have to go to these places and win.”
Last weekend Kedwell’s side beat Eastbourne Town 2-1 just days after a 3-1 win at East Grinstead.
Ashford are playing catch-up in the league after so many cup games but have been picking up plenty of points.
They clinched another three on Tuesday night with a 3-1 win over lowly Lancing. William Duprey, Gary Lockyer and Jack Saunders got the goals that see Ashford 16th in the table.
It was Lockyer’s 13th goal of the season - but only the third in the league.
Isthmian South East table
Weekend opponents Lewes sit third in the Isthmian Premier, one level above the Nuts & Bolts.
Louis Collins struck early on Saturday against Eastbourne Town and Lockyer won it with a second-half strike after the hosts had levelled before the break.
That victory followed a 3-1 win at East Grinstead Town which included a couple of goals from player-boss Kedwell.
The Nuts & Bolts aren’t short of experienced players, with 41-year-old Matt Bodkin making his first appearance earlier this month.
“You do need that experience,” said the player-boss, speaking before Tuesday’s win.
“I went with a bit more experience in the last few games and we got some results to get us back on track.
“The young ones are going to learn from the experienced players. With a few of these
boys having been at academies all their lives, coming into men’s football and seeing something different, it is good for them.”
What impressed Kedwell about those last two away wins was their ability to perform on a grass surface, rather than the predictable 3G they’re used to.
He added: “We play and train on 3G so to play away on grass is tough.
“I experienced that at Chatham - it is a different ball game and to get two wins on grass shows we can mix it up, which is a good thing.
“To go away from home and get six points, back-to-back, was really tough and the boys grafted for the result on Saturday in what was a physical battle at times. The boys dominated the second half.”
