Ashford United assistant manager Tommy Osborne struck by the strength of Isthmian South East

Ashford assistant manager Tommy Osborne believes Isthmian South East is stronger than ever.

The Nuts & Bolts are among a number of sides with promotion ambitions this season.

Osborne feels they have the squad to challenge for a top-five finish in a fiercely competitive division.

They were edged 1-0 at rivals Sittingbourne last weekend, ending a three-match winning streak in the league, and face another ambitious side when Sheppey visit Homelands this Saturday (3pm).

The Ites, along with new leaders Ramsgate and unbeaten Cray Valley, all reached the FA Cup First Round - highlighting the strength of the league.

“We’re running a squad of 16/17 and at present we feel we can be very competitive in this league,” said Osborne.

“You look at the league and it’s probably as competitive as it’s ever been.

“There’s three sides from this league that got to the First Round of the FA Cup and I don’t think that’s a coincidence. I think the league is very strong.

“I’ve seen Sheppey play this season and I’ve no doubt they will be looking at the table thinking, why can’t we compete for those play-off places?

“They’re another team I think will be ultra-competitive this year. They had a fantastic FA Cup run and credit to them.

“On the day I’m sure it’ll be two evenly-matched teams but we’re going into it confident we can get something from it.

“Sheppey had that great cup run but I think our players look at it as just another chance to get points in the league.

“I don’t think it’ll make any difference in terms of the lads’ attitude or mentality going into it against Sheppey.”

Ashford slipped to seventh after their narrow defeat at Sittingbourne.

The Brickies scored the only goal in the 74th minute, with the visitors unable to find their form