Ashford United manager Tommy Warrilow pays tribute to Gary Lockyer after his first Nuts & Bolts hat-trick

Tommy Warrilow described Gary Lockyer as a local legend after his first Ashford hat-trick got the Nuts & Bolts back on track.

United, reeling from their shock 5-1 defeat at Three Bridges, produced the perfect response by beating Sevenoaks 4-0 at Homelands on Saturday.

Lockyer’s treble and a Johan ter Horst goal saw off struggling Oaks, who parted company with manager Micky Collins the following day.

Jay May was available after a hamstring injury but Warrilow kept faith with Lockyer and the former Kennington striker didn’t disappoint as Ashford put back-to-back losses to bed.

“I’m pleased for Gal,” said boss Warrilow. “He’s come in and settled really well, he’s improved his game and he’s still growing as a player.

“He’s a really nice bloke, there’s nothing complicated about him and I’ve got a good, honest relationship with him.

"He’s a legend in this area with his Kennington and Ashford connections and everyone’s pleased to see a local boy do well.

“He’s got a good family around him, he’s a humble bloke and if you work hard, you get your just rewards.

"It was a massive team selection on Saturday after what happened at Three Bridges.

“Jay was fit, and what a career he’s had, but we showed confidence in Gal and I said to him, ‘Look who’s on the bench’ and obviously that registered with Gal because he got himself a hat-trick.”

Warrilow also praised Ter Horst for his role in a win that moved Ashford back up to fourth place in Isthmian South East going into Saturday’s game at bottom side Whitstable.

“I’ve got to give Johan a shout,” said Warrilow.

“Gal got his hat-trick but I’m sure he won’t mind me saying that Johan was my man-of-the-match on Saturday.

“He got his goal, he worked his socks off and his attitude was