Tommy Warrilow has called for calm after Ashford’s top-of-the-table defeat by leaders Hastings.

The Nuts & Bolts have slipped to fourth in Isthmian South East and are seven points behind the U’s following Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Homelands.

It was a setback for Warrilow’s side in front of a big crowd of more than 1,100 - boosted by hundreds of travelling fans - but there’s still plenty to play for.

“It was a great atmosphere, that’s what you’re in the game for, but unfortunately we didn’t come away with anything,” said Warrilow.

“It was a high-pressure game, people said it was must-win and all that but you can say every game’s must-win.

“The reality is there’s still loads of points to play for and there will be plenty of twists and turns.

“What disappointed me on Saturday is we never showed up in the first half.

“We got back into it with a goal bang on half-time and the second half we were much of a muchness but we’ve gifted them their second goal.

“I’ll admit they were more clued up than us - they’ve got experienced players who did the right things.

“By that, I mean they put balls into better areas and read second balls better, just basics in football.

“At the end of the day we’ve not been overrun or anything, and we could have got a point, but you can’t turn up for half a game.

“We’ve lost a game of football, we accept it and move on.

“It’s not the end of the world - there are loads of games to go.”

Ashford lost key striker Jay May to a hamstring injury in the first half and it was his replacement, Luke Burdon, who cancelled out Tom Chalmers’ early goal.

Ryan Worrall scored the winner as the Nuts & Bolts suffered just a second home defeat.

May could be a doubt for this Saturday’s away game against Three Bridges as Ashford bid to get back on track.

“It wasn’t ideal losing Jay but that wasn’t the reason we lost the game,” said Warrilow.

“We’ll have to see how he is but Luke Burdon came on and scored a great goal and we’ve got good options up front.

“You get your kicks and your knocks in football, it’s how you bounce back and it’s all about getting those three points at Three Bridges but we know that won’t be an easy game.

“Hastings dropped points last week and bounced back against us and we’ve got to show we’ve got that in our armoury as well.

“You’re allowed to be annoyed but it’s important to keep a clear head and we know what needs addressing.

"The league is so tight. It’s not just about the top five.

“Even down to eighth or ninth I’d be looking at it thinking we could have a good crack here.”

Warrilow, who’s signed Frannie Collin and Jarred Trespaderne in recent weeks, is hoping to add to his squad before the weekend.

He faces competition but will try to get a signing over the line.

“The player’s got a few clubs interested but we’ll do our best,” said Warrilow.

“Anyone we sign has got to come for the right reasons.

“We’re always looking but we don’t sign people for the sake of it."