Ashford United forward Frannie Collin showing class is permanent as Nuts & Bolts make it five Isthmian South East wins in a row

Frannie Collin continues to roll back the years at in-form Ashford United.

Collin, 34, scored for the third successive game as the Nuts & Bolts won 4-0 at East Grinstead on Tuesday night.

He’s helped them to five straight wins in Isthmian South East, their best run of the season.

They’ve closed the gap on leaders Hastings to seven points, with eight games to go, and still harbour title ambitions.

Collin scored his first Nuts & Bolts goal in a 3-1 win over Cray Valley last weekend and struck the opener against former club Hythe in a 2-1 win at Reachfields on Saturday.

He showed his class again in the win at East Grinstead.

“Frannie was unbelievable on Tuesday night,” said boss Tommy Warrilow.

“People say about his legs going but I saw him play as a lone striker for Hythe at Faversham earlier in the season and I knew his legs hadn’t gone.

“It was just a case of trying to get him in when he left Hythe.

“He can have a nightmare, he can do whatever he wants, he hasn’t got to prove anything to anyone, let alone anyone at Ashford or myself.

“His delivery from set-pieces is second to none, his work rate is unbelievable, we’ve played him in midfield and up front and he’s been outstanding.

“The most important thing I said to him when he came in was to enjoy it and that’s what he’s doing.

“I’ve brought him off in a few games, just to give him a rest looking at the games ahead, but I think he’s started every game.

“I wouldn’t have brought him in if I didn’t intend to play him.”

Luke Burdon added to Collin’s free-kick in the win at Hythe, with the hosts replying in the last 10 minutes.

The Nuts & Bolts swept aside struggling East Grinstead, where an own goal, Gary Lockyer and Tommie Fagg completed the visitors’ tally.

“I don’t care