Lloyd Blackman has hailed Ashford United’s signing of Darren Marsden as a “superb acquisition” for the club.

The 27-year-old midfielder was released by Ryman League, Division 1 South Faversham Town last week and United wasted little time in securing his services.

He made his debut in the 4-3 Southern Counties East League win against Rochester United on Saturday.

Player/assistant manager Blackman said: “Paul Chambers and I were interested as soon as we knew Darren was available. He is a player who will improve us and is a superb acquisition. Experienced with plenty of know-how, he fits in with the way we want to play.”

Marsden was joined by another newcomer, teenage defender Lee Pleau, whose dual registration move to Homelands from Hythe was delayed for a week.

Former Reachfields coach Blackman knows the ex-Maidstone youngster well, saying: “He is an honest lad, who is willing to learn and he played alongside Pat Kingwell at Hythe last season.”

Both are set to feature on Saturday when United begin their FA Vase campaign with a second round trip to Sussex County League Division 1 side Hassocks.

Ashford have been exempted until this stage, after reaching the fourth round last season. They went out 2-1 at home to Hanwell in February in a much-postponed tie, after Middlesex club were forced to concede ground advantage.

United hope striker Andy Irvine will be fit after suffering a hip injury in the warm-up against Rochester.