Boss Tommy Warrilow admits Ashford need to bring a couple of strikers in as they start life without Gary Lockyer.

Popular hitman Lockyer scored an incredible 37 goals last season but has left his hometown club and joined Isthmian Premier Cray Wanderers where he will be managed by Neil Smith.

That news leaves the Nuts & Bolts with limited forward options but attack-minded trialist Stephen Okoh, who impressed during their 4-2 loss at Folkestone on Sunday, has this week been signed alongside full-back Jamal Ossai - brother of fellow Ashford full-back Tariq Ossai.

“Yeah I have got to, 100 per cent,” Warrilow replied when asked if he needed to add to his attacking options further, speaking after the loss at Cheriton Road.

“I can’t just go with Michael [Uwezu] and Johan [Ter Horst].

“Johan has been playing more in the pocket so we need to get a couple of strikers in probably.”

Lockyer enjoyed a remarkable campaign which saw him score 20 goals for Southern Counties East ground tenants Kennington before making the switch to Ashford in November.

He added 17 goals to his tally for the 2021/22 campaign but couldn’t quite get the Nuts & Bolts over the line, as they lost out to Herne Bay in the Isthmian South East play-off final.

On Lockyer’s departure, Warrilow said: “Listen, it is what it is, it’s football.

“The boys at Cray are struggling up top, Gal was on their list and he wanted to give it a go at a higher level.

"The timing isn’t ideal but we have had it before with Jay May - I think he went to Romford two days before the season started - so, listen, one thing I’m not going to do is feel sorry for myself.

“I just want people to have a bit of common sense and to realise we are a bit short at the moment, and we can’t do a great deal about it.

"People go on holiday, people are injured, it’s life - we have got to deal with it.

• Sense of perspective important for Ashford

“I thought it was an encouraging performance on Sunday and we know what we have got coming back in to strengthen us as well.”

Ashford begin their competitive campaign at Burgess Hill this Saturday.