Ashford swoop for AFC Wimbledon pair

Mar 11 2009 By Paul Warburton, Staines News

Ashford Town have signed two AFC Wimbledon players on loan to help ride out the storm of matches over the next 10 days.

Central defender Michael Peacock and left-sided Luke Pidgen were added to Mark Butler's troops last night who face FOUR massive games from now until Saturday week.

Boss Butler reckoned training over the next two weeks could be almost nonexistent, and might be little more than a warm-up BEFORE Saturday's vital Ryman Premier clash with Sutton United at home - but was mighty relieved to have three more bodies including winger Anthony Joseph, who has returned until the end of the season.

Butts said: "I don't think players realised how close we have become to relegation until last weekend's defeat by Boreham Wood. It's time for them to smell the coffee.

"I think there was a mindset that we only had one chance to win the cup games - but plenty more opportunities to get the necessary league points, but that's not the case."

As the Tangerines slipped to within three points of the drop zone, the club ironically still has a hand on two trophies.

After last night's Middlesex Senior Cup defeat against AFC Hayes, Ashford also have League Cup and Surrey Senior Cup ties pending - not to mention seven other Ryman Premier games to be fitted in before the end of the month.

Butler added: "I think fatigue is a bit in the mind.

"If we can get our league status sorted out, then we can go full-steam for the silverware - that's why the Sutton game is crucial.

"I think secretly we've known for a while that a play-off place was out the window. So for this season, it's cup medals or nothing.

"I have to say it's typically Ashford. "We can win three trophies and secure a decent mid-table slot. Or we can lose the lot and be relegated.

"As usual, we're on a knife edge that could last a while."