Clive Cook has played down Hythe’s rivalry with Ashford ahead of Saturday’s derby at Homelands.

The Cannons make the short trip hoping to complete their double over their Bostik South neighbours.

But manager Cook is more interested in league points than bragging rights.

He said: “It’s not like the Folkestone game, which is a massive rivalry. Jason Whitmore’s trying to organise his side to get away from the bottom and they’ll be a tough nut to crack.

“But on our day, we’ll beat anyone, so it’s an interesting game.”

“They’ve got some good players there and we’re all looking forward to it. We’ve only lost one in six, so long may it continue.”

Ashford have won three games in a row on their 3G pitch.

Cook said: “I don’t like them but that’s just my view and you have to play on them. It’s definitely an advantage but we’ll play on it and we’ll go to win the game.

"They’ll be organised and it’ll be a tough game. Derbies always are and Ashford’s support is vocal.”

Gary Alexander will be in the Homelands dugout for the first time after joining Ashford as assistant manager. The former Millwall striker, who recently quit Greenwich Borough, has replaced Paul Barnes as No.2 and is due to take over from Whitmore as manager in the summer.

“Gary will cross his t’s and dot his i’s,” Cook said. “He started on Monday, so he’ll only have had two sessions with his players.

“It’s probably a good time to play them but they’ll want to impress Gary. We just get on and play it.”

Read the full story in the Folkestone & Hythe Express.