Taking “one game at a time” is working for Ashford United, according to captain Gary Clarke.

He leads them out against old club Tunbridge Wells at Homelands on Saturday looking to record United’s 10th successive Southern Counties East League win, which would equal their best sequence last season.

Six of them have come since the FA Vase exit at home to Norwich United two months ago and Clarke said: “It was a disappointing defeat at the time and the season could have fizzled out for us.

“All our emphasis and concentration has been on the league since then but it is all about the next game because we know one defeat can kick us out of the picture.”

Third-placed United start out against pre-season title favorites Wells, one place and three points clear of their west Kent rivals with three games in hand, before hosting second-placed Erith & Belvedere next Tuesday.

Clarke added: “It’s one big game after another.

“Wells may not have had the season they wanted and their side has changed a lot since my days there but I have played against most of them for other clubs and both teams know each other well.” he said

United are still 13 points behind unbeaten leaders Phoenix who have wobbled in their last two games.

The former Kent Invicta League rivals still have to play each other twice and Clarke added: “To claw back four points on them is a bit of a bonus. They are still top, though."