Striker Paul Jones has quit Town after scoring nearly 50 goals in more than 100 appearances

By Andrew Gidley

Ashford are literally homing in on preserving their Ryman League Division 1 South status.

They face 12 games in the next five weeks – nine at Homelands and only three away – with boss Steve Lovell boosted by the luxury of a full squad for the run-in.

The Nuts & Bolts entertain Burgess Hill on Saturday and Lovell said: "We have performed well since Christmas and have got back to the sort of strength I have wanted all season.

"We have had a lot of injuries to influential players and it’s no coincidence that we have put a good run together."

However, the club have said farewell to striker Paul Jones, who told Lovell he was leaving last week.

The 29-year-old striker, who has scored nearly 50 goals for the club in more than 100 games spanning two spells, cited personal reasons, and Lovell said: "It’s always disappointing when you lose any player.

"I respect his decision and wished him all the best but we have to get on it with it.

"He has been out injured and hasn’t had the best of times and has also had a new addition to the family, which is also keeping him busy. Paul will probably be back playing next season, maybe with us or elsewhere."