Gareth Williams believes Ashford United have a real opportunity to kick on after taking four points from their first two games over the holiday period.

The Bostik South strugglers followed Saturday’s last-gasp 2-2 draw away to VCD with an excellent 3-1 victory over Sittingbourne at Homelands on Boxing Day.

United remain next-to-bottom but are now just two points behind East Grinstead Town and player-coach Williams says there’s no reason why they shouldn’t now start targeting the clutch of clubs in front of them.

Williams took the team in the absence of manager Jason Whitmore and assistant Paul Barnes against Bourne. He said: “It was a good win against a team that’s looking at the play-offs and I’m glad for the boys because it’s one of the things we’ve talked about.

“When we’ve won before we haven’t managed to go and get anything from the next game.
“It’s the first time we’ve taken points from consecutive games.

“Now we’re in a position where we’re looking at where are the teams ahead of us rather than how close are we to the team below us.

“Everything now is about pushing on and trying to get further up the league. We’ve got a block of games that we’ve looked at and you’re thinking ‘There’s points to take there’.
“We’re still only at Christmas so there are a lot of games to play.”

Williams says one of the most pleasing aspects of United’s win on Boxing Day was their game management and admitted he enjoyed being in charge.

He said: “I enjoyed it and everything went to plan. It’s a different game when you’re winning. There is a slightly different mindset, when you’ve got a lead to defend, you can be a little bit more choosy with your attacking options. The boys managed the game well.”

United host basement side Shoreham on Saturday before travelling to Faversham on New Year’s Day and they will have to check on the fitness of skipper Joe Bingham who limped off with a knee injury after just six minutes against Sittingbourne.

Williams also revealed that his own playing return may not be too far away.
He said: “I’ve been injured for a while but I’m looking to get back into the playing side of it
again.

“I’ve just started training again so now that I’ve got through a few sessions I can hopefully put my hand up (for selection).”