Ashford United manager Tommy Warrilow urges fans to make home advantage count in Isthmian South East play-offs

Manager Tommy Warrilow has called on the people of Ashford to come out and back them in the Isthmian South East play-offs.

The Nuts & Bolts will have home advantage, however far they go, as a result of securing second place.

And it’s important they make that count going into Tuesday’s semi-finals (7.45pm), with one of Herne Bay, Haywards Heath and Cray Valley standing in their way.

Ashford, who finish the regular season at home to Whitehawk this Saturday, will face whoever finishes fifth.

The final takes place on Saturday week.

“I’m hoping getting to the play-offs helps raise awareness of the club in the town and gets the gates up,” said Warrilow.

“We do get big crowds for the big games but we should be getting more fans.

“I know Homelands is a little bit out of the way but we’re not a million miles out of Ashford if people want to come along.

“Most people who support a Premier League club, like Chelsea, they don’t live there, they have to travel.

“It doesn’t have to be hard to get to Ashford.

“We’re pleased we’ve got second place, and it’s a massive week coming up for the club. I’d love to get promoted.

“These play-off games are ruthless but hopefully we can get our home town behind us.

“All season you hear about must-win games, but these really are must-win, or you’re out.”

Ashford clinched second spot behind champions Hastings after goals from Gary Lockyer (2), Tommie Fagg and Mamadou Diallo in a 4-2 win over Ramsgate on Saturday.

Luke Burdon put them in front at Faversham on Easter Monday but, with Adem Ramadan picking up a second yellow card, the Lilywhites completed a deserved 3-1 comeback victory.

Injuries to Mo Kamara (thigh) and Tashi-Jay Kwayie (shoulder) added to the frustration for Warrilow, with the pair