Ashford United manager Lloyd Hume tips record goalscorer Gary Lockyer to keep getting better

Lloyd Hume is backing Ashford’s new record goalscorer Gary Lockyer to go from strength to strength.

Boss Hume was delighted to see club captain Lockyer break Shaun Welford’s Nuts & Bolts record of 85 goals this week.

The 32-year-old moved on to 86 with his first-half goal against Margate on Bank Holiday Monday as Ashford fought back from 2-0 down to lead 3-2 before conceding again at the death.

“It’s a massive achievement for Gary and credit to him,” said Hume. “I’m really pleased for him.

“I think he can go and reach 100+ goals this season and who knows where he’ll get to next season?

“By the end of next season, the way he performs, he could be on 150 and that’s a real milestone.

“It’s brilliant what he’s achieved but I think there’s loads more to come from Gary Lockyer because of how good he is.

“I look at what he achieved last season, too, getting 10 goals in the FA Cup and winning the Golden Ball. That was monumental.”

Ashford are still waiting for their first Isthmian South East win of the season after a frustrating Bank Holiday weekend.

Jack Dixon was sent off as United trailed 3-0 at Faversham on Saturday before Lockyer pulled a goal back in the second half.

Ex-Ashford striker Tashi-Jay Kwayie scored twice as the Lilywhites, managed by former Nuts & Bolts boss Tommy Warrilow, ran out deserved winners.

“We were dominated by a very well-organised side,” said Hume.

Hume substituted Joe Ellul on Monday as the veteran centre-half, starting ahead of schedule after injury, was caught out twice as Margate opened up a 2-0 lead.

He’d already played 70-odd minutes at Faversham 48 hours earlier after Will Moses went off with concussion.

Lockyer’s milestone goal launched the fightback and Louis Collins scored twice, including