Ashford United manager Craig Stone says new stand takes Homelands to another level | Nuts & Bolts boss provides injury update on Gills loanee Zac Whitelock

Manager Craig Stone feels the new stand at Ashford United has taken Homelands to another level.

The Nuts & Bolts opened their new covered terracing behind the goal for Saturday’s 2-0 Isthmian South East win over Margate.

It’s the latest investment from co-owners Lloyd Hume and Dave Warr, who have spent thousands on stadium improvements since completing their takeover in the summer of 2024.

Next up is a similar, but slightly bigger, stand at the opposite end, which will further enhance the matchday experience.

“I said to the boys, it felt like we’d gone up levels,” said Stone.

“There was a bit of noise before the game, building the atmosphere, and then during the game, it created some really good noise, especially when we were kicking towards it.

“Lloyd and Dave are going to do the same down the other end, but slightly bigger, so the stadium’s going to look incredible, especially for the level it’s at.

“It had an FA Cup feel to it where we were playing at a higher-level stadium and that was brilliant.

“That fed into the boys in terms of how they were. They had bundles of energy and we had some really good enthusiasm around the squad.

“What you can’t question is the owners’ commitment to improving the ground.

“Sometimes owners come in and improve the budget but every time you go round the ground there’s something new, there’s something nicer, it’s been refreshed in some way.

“The final piece is those two stands behind the goal.

“It’s a great place to play football and good for fans.

“It looks like a real proper football stadium and I know the one behind the other goal is going to make a huge difference. It will make it feel so enclosed.”

Stone expects on-loan Gillingham striker Zac Whitelock to miss the next few weeks as