Ashford United return to action on Saturday with a crunch clash at home to promotion rivals Cray Wanderers.

The Wands boast a 100% record in Bostik South East and still haven't conceded a league goal this season.

But the Nuts & Bolts are just three points back having won three of their first four matches.

United didn't play last weekend, having been knocked out of the FA Cup, so they should certainly be fresh for the game at Homelands.

Both teams have been tipped to do well this season and Ashford boss Gary Alexander knows what to expect.

He said: "They're a quality side with quality players but anyone can beat anyone in this league.

"I won't go away from saying consistency's going to be key. I expect a real tough game but I go into every game believing I can win.

"We know Cray are good in possession of the football. We know what Cray do well and they've got some dangerous players.

"They've got a goalscorer in Michael Power and quality in midfield in Bradley Pritchard and Karl Dent.

"Hopefully my boys stand up and we can put in a good performance against probably the people's favourites."

Ashford drew a blank in two of their last three games so have they got the firepower to breach Cray's watertight defence?

Alexander said: "We've had a couple of games where we've failed to score but we've scored eight goals in four games.

"If you're scoring two a game, you've got a good chance of winning football matches and we have got goals in the side."

Ashford haven't played since losing 1-0 at Whitstable almost two weeks ago.

Alexander said: "We had two tough training sessions last week and then a bit of fun on Saturday.

"We had an in-house friendly game with the fans and then it was back to the grind on Tuesday night.

"Tuesday and Thursday were tough sessions and the boys bought into it. It was important we worked and kept our fitness levels high and they worked their socks off.

"They deserved Saturday to be a little bit of a down day and then we were back to prep for Saturday.

"It's been a freshening-up period to make sure the boys are ready.

"We've had a few Saturday-Tuesdays and it's not easy when you work full days and have to come to football training.

"It becomes tough so it's been a time to freshen up as well and hopefully we'll have a fully-fit squad for Saturday."

Ashford host Folkestone in the Velocity Trophy on Tuesday night.