Ashford United moving in the right direction as manager Kevin Watson discusses a challenging first season in charge

Manager Kevin Watson can see the progress at Ashford - despite some difficult times.

The Nuts & Bolts are 11th in Isthmian South East having gone through a five-match losing streak before beating Beckenham.

In terms of the playing style and additions to the squad, however, Watson feels they’re heading in the right direction.

And they have a League Cup semi-final to look forward to after beating Hastings 4-2 on penalties following a 0-0 draw on Tuesday night.

It’s been a challenging first season in charge for the former Cray Valley and Herne Bay manager but it’s rarely straightforward going into a new environment.

“I think my expectations are quite levelled,” said Watson, whose side visit Merstham on Saturday (3pm).

“That doesn’t mean we’re not aspirational as a management team, we just recognise the steps it takes to get somewhere.

“There’s not enough success for everybody.

“You get two teams promoted, which is 10% of the league, and 90% of the league are disappointed.

“Plus a percentage end up getting relegated, so it’s double disappointment for them.

“Whenever you go to a new club, there’s the challenge of getting to know the climate and the environment.

“But now we’re based back at the ground, with the new pitch, we can see the way forward.

“Some management teams go straight into a club and do get immediate success but, like I said, there isn’t enough success for everybody.

“Of the players that started the season, I think Connor Dymond was the only one we’d worked with before, so there’s that element where they have to get used to us and what we’re asking them to do.

“We’re a long way down the road in terms of the season so I think there’s a better understanding of all parties.

“Even with the management team, that’s