Ashford United manager Tommy Warrilow on battling victory over Sevenoaks and the need for patience after big turnover of players

Tommy Warrilow hailed the work ethic of his Ashford side after their midweek victory over Sevenoaks.

George Nikaj, who’s joined on a month’s loan from Dover, scored the only goal just before half-time in Tuesday night’s rearranged Isthmian South East home game.

The Nuts & Bolts defended superbly after the break to hold off an Oaks outfit who are fancied to challenge for promotion.

Victory completed a good few days for Ashford, having beaten Hanworth Villa 2-1 on Saturday to reach the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round for the first time in 24 years.

They’ve been drawn away to Herne Bay, their play-off final conquerors, on September 17, after goals from Adem Ramadan and Lauric Diakiesse saw off Villa.

“I’m not going to lie, that’s the hardest three points we’ll earn,” said Warrilow after his side’s second league win moved them up to seventh place.

“I can’t fault the boys. I’ve not said anything before but, in all, I’ve got 13 players missing from last season’s squad.

“We’re a new side, we will be rusty against good sides and Sevenoaks are a very good side but my boys’ work ethic was unbelievable.

“We showed them stuff on the board, different things that we’ve not had a chance to work on in training, bits and bobs without the ball that you need, especially against a team like Sevenoaks.

“Sometimes, you are going to get caught out but first half we got the goal and could have had a couple more and then second half they got at us and we just defended.

"We rode our luck a bit but that happens in football. It’s a great result against a very good side.

"We know there’s lots to do but the boys put a really good shift in.

“Everyone gave everything and they got the result they deserved, and that will do their confidence the world of