Tommy Warrilow is staying cool following Ashford’s heavy defeat last weekend.

The Nuts & Bolts were beaten 5-1 at Isthmian South East play-off rivals Cray Valley - a first loss in eight games.

They’re aiming to bounce back at home to fellow contenders Hythe this Saturday (3pm).

Ashford trailed Cray Valley 4-0 at the break - conceding twice on the stroke of half-time - and a fifth followed before Gary Lockyer replied.

It was a sobering result but Warrilow’s side remain well-placed to make the play-offs, sitting three points outside the top five with seven games to go.

That’s why it’s important not to overreact.

“It’s a kick in the nuts but we’ve got to learn from it,” said Ashford boss Warrilow.

“There’s lots of things you can pick holes in but there’s no point jumping up and down about it because it’s so tight up there.

“It’s a harsh lesson but Cray Valley are a very good side so I’m not going to disrespect them by saying how bad we were.

“You get results like that in football sometimes.

“I’m not one for using all these sayings that fly about but we’ve had that feeling now and you don’t want it to happen again. One result doesn’t define a season.

“There’s seven games to go and teams up there have got to play each other, so someone’s got to drop points somewhere.

“We’ve just got to concentrate on ourselves and make sure we get our house in order.

“My philosophy in management has always been to make sure my teams have something to play for come the end of the season - and we do.

“We’re still banging the drum, our targets haven’t changed. The games are running out and that Easter weekend will shake a few out of the pack because there’ll only be two games left.

“My priority now is to continue as normal, learn from Saturday and get the boys fully focused on a big Kent derby. We’ve got to make sure we turn up.”

Hythe are just a point behind Ashford after a great run of form.

Steve Watt’s side - written off by many as relegation fodder at the start of the season - are firmly in the play-off mix.

“Watty’s done a brilliant job,” said Warrilow. “He’s got a very good side together. It doesn’t surprise me where they are.

“Anyone who knows football and looks at their teamsheet knows he’s assembled a very good side. Fair play to him.

“We went over to their place and drew 1-1 and Jacob Russell, our goalkeeper, got us a point.

“We were on a nice little run before Cray Valley, so let’s see if the players can put their big-boy pants on and bounce back.”

Midfielder Cameron Brodie serves the second of a three-game ban, while Ashford are hoping to have Johan ter Horst available after he missed the Cray Valley game with injury.

Ashford appealed Brodie’s red card at Three Bridges - after a late clash with Curtis Gayler - to no avail.

“Common sense has gone out of football,” said Warrilow.

* Rebecca Janes scored four times as Ashford United Ladies won 9-0 at Maidstone on Sunday.

Abbey Davies, Karis Howard, Jade Steadman and Becky Wyatt also struck as the Nuts & Bolts continued their Division 1 South title bid.

They’re two points behind leaders Hastings, with a game in hand, and host Montpellier Villa at Homelands this Sunday (3pm).