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By Joe Harbert
Ashford United’s David Smith says the Homelands side need to treat every one of their remaining matches like a cup final if they are to emerge as champions.
United currently sit top of Isthmian South East for the first time in five months following their 1-1 draw at home to Haywards Heath on Saturday, and striker Smith admits they need to leave no stone unturned in the weeks ahead.
“Obviously we beat Hastings 3-0 who were top of the league, but then drew on Saturday to a team who are mid-table,” said former Dover forward Smith.
It just goes to show that we need to be on our toes every game.
“The way we see it we’ve now got 12 cup finals that we have to win.
“There’s no way we can afford draws and there’s no way we can afford to come into the changing room afterwards thinking we should have done more.
“We need to leave everything out on the pitch because at the end of the day we’re top of the league for a reason, and every single team in this league wants to beat us – regardless of their form.
“Guernsey on Saturday is a match where we have to get a result, and then come back and start chipping the games away.
“Other clubs I’ve been at go into games thinking we can maybe get something in this match, whereas here there is no other option but to get promoted and go into every game thinking we have to win.”
United, who saw defender Giorgio Russo depart for Ramsgate on Friday, continue to ramp up their attacking firepower following their third offensive signing of the month this week.
The club added Hornchurch record goalscorer George Purcell to their ranks on Monday, and 20-year-old Smith believes such arrivals are only raising performances.
“At the moment the squad is being strengthened and that’s good because you have to fight for your place,” added the 22-goal striker.
“You don’t want players resting on their laurels, especially with the position that we’re in now – we all want everyone sharp and firing.
“We’re one of the best teams and it shouldn’t be any surprise that we’re up there – we just need to keep the consistency we’ve been showing because that’s what wins you titles.”
