Kwayie converted a spot kick to send Ashford back ahead, but the League’s top scorer, Josh Ajayi, fired in to equalise once again just before the break.

But a late second-half strike from Lockyer secured maximum points this afternoon.

TEAM NEWS:

[STARTING XI: McCarthy, Simms, Hull, Friend, Diallo, Wisson, Hanson (OFF 70’), Kwayie (GOAL 35'), Ter Horst (OFF 89’), Lockyer (GOAL 4' 75'), May (OFF 76’)]

[SUBS: Hook, Burdon (ON 70’), Ratti (ON 76’), Steventon (ON 89’), Gold]

MATCH REPORT:

It was a dream start for Ashford when an acrobatic effort from Gary Lockyer was fired into the back of the net in the 4th minute, giving his side the lead.

Then Ter Horst, played in on goal by Lockyer, dragged a half-volley well wide and should’ve done much better with his chance.

The Nuts & Bolts were well on top, but one lapse in concentration saw The Rams find a route back into the game. Jadama leaped highest to get on the end of Miller’s cross, heading in to leave McCarthy rooted to the spot.

Wisson then saw a well-struck 25-yard strike just go past the post before a nearly bizarre own goal by Hull at the other end. In an effort to clear the danger, a desperate Hull attempted to glance a header wide but instead needed McCarthy to keep out his header in what looked to be a fortunate moment.

A long ball over the top from Ashford saw Lockyer expertly control the ball to create an opening at goal, but the onrushing Russel in goal charged out quick enough to keep the striker out.

Just moments later, Lockyer was once again played in on goal, but this time brought down inside the box by McIntyre. That subsequently saw the Ramsgate captain sent off and Kwayie was on hand to convert from the spot.

But a stubborn Ramsgate side fought back, despite a man short. In-form forward, Josh Ajayi, made his way into the box and smashed into the roof of the net, pulling level once again as we headed for the break.

The second-half was never going to live up to the same standards and Longhurst’s men continued to frustrate. Ashford struggled to create any openings and the counter-attack of Ramsgate was still a constant threat.

Substitute Luke Burdon gave The Rams something new to think about, and in the end he made the difference. In the final third, Burdon fended off his marker, turned at goal and unleashed a low-strike at goal which beamed off the post. Lockyer was the first to react, smashing in from close-range to put the Nuts & Bolts ahead once more.

It was a nervy final few minutes for Warrilow’s men, but they held firm to keep out their opposition which included a tense goal line scramble. In front of a crowd of 1,000+ Ashford came out on top to close the gap at the top end of the Isthmian League table.