Ashford United manager Craig Stone’s home truths pay off as Nuts & Bolts prove they can mix up their game to get results

Craig Stone says Ashford United players have seen another side to him after delivering a half-time rocket.

The Nuts & Bolts boss was unhappy with his team’s performance at Sevenoaks last weekend and told them what he thought.

His words had the desired effect as Ashford, despite falling behind just after the break, put the manager’s plan into action and won 3-1 thanks to Louis Collins, Zac Whitelock and Kareem Isiaka.

Stone felt Sevenoaks, looking for a fourth successive Isthmian South East win, were arguably the best side Ashford have played this season.

But the visitors didn’t help themselves, failing to adapt their game, before Stone got into them at the break.

“I had to have a few choice words with them, and they probably saw a different side to me that I haven’t had to show very often, but we were lucky not to be 3-0 down,” said Stone.

“We were completely on the ropes and just didn’t recognise the way we could hurt them.

“We got into half-time 0-0, which was a bit of luck, and it allowed us to adapt a few things.

“We conceded straight after half-time but after that we were much better and in the end we were worthy of our three goals.

“That was just from going in behind and being a little bit more direct.”

Stone’s delivery may have been out of character but he had no problem saying what needed to be said.

He added: “It’s just natural. As a manager, you’ve got to feel it.

“You’ve got to be in that moment and I felt we needed a few home truths.

“I had to step up and say how I saw it and the players have to follow that and trust the process.

“Luckily, I’ve got a group of lads who do that and I think they generally believe in what the management team are telling them. They know we’re doing it in their best interests.

“Lik