Ashby: Wings are still in title race despite Sutton setback (From News Shopper)

Ashby: Wings are still in title race despite Sutton setback

5:23pm Thursday 22nd December 2011 in Welling By Ed Rusoke-Spencer

WELLING assistant manager Barry Ashby believes it is too early to be talking about who will win the league this season.

The Wings are currently in second place but trail leaders Woking by ten points going into the crucial festive period.

He said: “The title is not going to be wrapped up now or in January or February unless Woking go on an unbelievable run and everyone else drops away.

“There’s a lot more football to be played and there will be lots of ups and downs between now and the end of the season.

“It’s a tough league and anything you get in this division you have to earn.

“We have been around the top six last season and this season and we are now a scalp for many clubs.

“Woking are a good side and at this stage of the season they are the number one team in the league.

“But we believe in what we are doing and in each other and most importantly the players believe in themselves.”

However, Welling missed an opportunity to close the gap on Woking last Saturday when they were beaten 4-3 at Sutton while the leaders were dropping two points in a 1-1 draw at Thurrock.

Ashby admits he was frustrated but is confident there will be no lasting effect on the team.

He said: “We were disappointed to lose the game having scored three goals away from home and yet still having to come away without a point.

“Everyone was bitterly disappointed.

“Whether it’s the title chase or the play-off race, I don’t think any defeat at this stage is going to be of major significance at the end of the season.”

Ashby is relishing the Boxing Day clash with neighbours Dartford and is happy with the belief among the squad.

He said: “It’s a big game for us and it’s the sort of game everyone wants to be involved in around Christmas time.

“We go out to be as successful as we can, we have a really good bunch of boys who train every week and give it their all in the games.

“The work ethic and belief in the squad is second to none.

“They believe they are good enough to compete with Woking and the teams around us.”

Ashby is optimistic Welling will be at full strength for the Park View Road clash with Dartford on Boxing Day, which kicks off at 1pm.

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