Ashford United striker Gary Lockyer and Louis Collins in competition to finish top scorer as Nuts & Bolts continue fine form

Who will win the competition to finish as Ashford United’s top goalscorer this season?

Skipper Gary Lockyer’s double in a 3-1 weekend victory over Sittingbourne moved him on to 28 in all competitions.

He’s two clear of strike partner Louis Collins with two matches to play, starting with a trip to Isthmian South East promotion hopefuls AFC Whyteleafe on Saturday (3pm).

The pair have brought out the best in each other and Ashford have reaped the benefits.

Lockyer had a touch of fortune for his first goal against the Brickies as a shot from Collins hit his heel and went in, making it the captain’s goal, while he added a late second to complete another win for the in-form Nuts & Bolts.

“They’ve got a little competition going, which is good,” said Ashford manager Craig Stone.

“It’s healthy because it means both of them are still fighting for something and still desperate to score goals.

“They’re having a good little tussle.

“Everyone always says you need a 30-goal man to get you in the play-offs and we’ve got two of them.

“As long as those two are doing it for the team, and playing for the team to score goals and not just themselves, that’s the most important thing, and they do that.

“They care for the team first and if they score, it’s a bonus.

“I think they’ve got more goals because of that attitude and mentality.

“We’re in the top five in the league for goals scored (87 in 40 games), so we’re causing teams lots of problems, but we’re also starting to put clean sheets together and limiting teams’ chances on our goal.

“The lads at the back are doing really well defensively and we’re scoring plenty of goals, so we’re a real threat in both areas.”

Ashford remain ninth after a fourth successive victory over a Sittingbourne side