Ashford United manager Craig Stone’s praise for defender Jack Dixon

Ashford United manager Craig Stone says he trusts Jack Dixon with his life.

Defender Dixon, captaining the side in the absence of Gary Lockyer, scored twice as the Nuts & Bolts beat Eastbourne Town 4-0 at Homelands last weekend.

Stone brought Dixon, his former Hastings team-mate, to the club after being appointed assistant manager under Lloyd Hume.

He was always going to be a key part of the side after Stone stepped up to succeed Hume last season.

“I trust Dicko with my life,” said Stone, who takes Ashford to Ascot in the FA Trophy second qualifying round on Saturday (3pm).

“He’s a really good friend of mine and has been for a long time now, going back to our Hastings days.

“When I was assistant with Lloyd, he was one of the first people I wanted to get in.

“He’s a fans’ favourite - they love him - and he’s been a fans’ favourite wherever he’s played because he wears his heart on his sleeve, he cares about everything he does and he wants to be the best and wants to win.

“If you had 11 Jack Dixons in your team, you’re destined for promotion.

“He leads from the front and he makes sure the rest of them are doing what he wants and following his example.

“His performance on Saturday was outstanding, let alone his two goals, and I’m pleased for him because he wasn’t able to play against Sittingbourne (3-2 defeat on Bank Holiday Monday) and we massively missed him.

“We’re always in a better position with Jack Dixon on the pitch.

“To perform as well as he did, at probably only 80 per cent fit as well, full credit to him. He’s a proper person.”

Dixon struck in either half, with Ollie Bate and an injury-time strike from Michael Ademiluyi completing the scoring.

The performance was particularly pleasing for Stone and his management