Ashford are facing a big test in Danny Kedwell’s first league game as manager.

The Nuts & Bolts open the Isthmian South East campaign at league new boys Erith Town on Saturday (3pm).

The Dockers won promotion via the Southern Counties East Premier Division play-offs and also lifted the Challenge Cup and Kent Senior Trophy last season.

It’s never easy opening against a newly-promoted side, while Adam Woodward’s men showed they mean business again by thumping Pagham 6-2 in the FA Cup extra preliminary round last weekend.

“They’re on a high from promotion,” said Kedwell.

“They’ve had a good pre-season and they had a great result in the FA Cup so they’re still on that high.

“It’ll be very tough, especially away from home. They’re a physical side, they’ve got pace and strength and they’re well organised.

“The manager’s built a good team and it takes time to do that.

“It’ll be a tough game and we’ve got to be on it.

“It’s going to be a tough season - very tough - but we’ve just got to do our job and follow the different game plans for each game.”

Ashford are on a high themselves after Kedwell launched his reign with a 3-0 FA Cup win over Egham at Homelands, a match witnessed by new club ambassador Neil Ruddock, the former Liverpool, Spurs and England defender.

Gary Lockyer struck twice, including a penalty, while Adem Ramadan scored his first goal since recovering from the double leg-break that saw him miss almost all of last season.

The Nuts & Bolts were light on numbers with Will Moses suspended, Mikey Berry awaiting international clearance after playing in Sweden and a hold-up with Jack Saunders’ loan.

All three are available for the Erith game, however.

Kedwell said: “It was a good day but a bit stressful before the game with the boys we had out, plus we had a few injuries.

“To get through it, and with players playing out of position, it was a good result.

“I had two injured boys on the bench just to make the numbers up.

“That’s what happens but we got through and it shows the character of the boys.

“I played Noah Carney, who’s a centre-forward, at wing-back, and he did a great job.

“We’ve got a good group, there’s no moaning, they just get on with it and do the best they can.”

The player shortage also saw Kedwell turn out on his 41st birthday.

He took on a defensive midfield role, leaving assistant manager Dean Beckwith in charge on the sidelines.

“I had to play because of numbers,” said Kedwell.

“It’s not something I want to do but, to be fair, it’s not bad to have that as a back-up where managers can still play.

“I didn’t want it to happen in our first competitive game, that wasn’t my plan, but it was good I can do that because a lot of other clubs can’t, but it isn’t my intention to play.

“I did my team-talk and then Dean managed the team.

“I left it to him. He did all the subs, because I trust him, and it’s good to have that relationship.

“I thought all the boys were very good. We were a bit nervy in the first 15 minutes - that’s standard in the first game - but once we got to grips with it, they were different class.”

Kedwell was delighted to see Lockyer mark his return with two goals while Ramadan was a popular scorer among the crowd of 414 after his injury struggles.

“Gary does what he does,” said Kedwell. “The first was a well-taken penalty and the second was a proper striker’s finish.

“I was pleased for Adem. I know he came back for the last game of last season but I’ve had to be careful with him during pre-season.

“He got through the pre-season games and deserved his chance.”

Meanwhile, Kedwell has welcomed the arrival of Ruddock as club ambassador.

One of the football’s big characters, he links up with his hometown side as a friend of incoming owners Lloyd Hume and Dave Warr.

“I’ve played in a few charity games for him and it’s great to have him on board,” said Kedwell.

“He knows football and he’s a big name in the area as an Ashford lad who’s played in the Premier League. He’s a good entertainer as well.”