There are two matches involving Ashford Town squads this week, with both holding importance for the club for different reasons.  This evening (Tuesday), the First Team travel to Fetcham Grove to take on Leatherhead in the League Cup Second Round.  The Tanners currently sit in mid-table in Division One South but, as can be seen in the extract from the League Table on the right, they have games in hand on the sides around them.

The Isthmian League Cup is a competition the club were winners of in 2006-07 and reached the last 16 in defending the trophy last season.  Leatherhead's best showing in the tournament was as Runners-Up to Dagenham in 1977-78 - a year they also reached the FA Trophy Final at Wembley, losing 3-1 to Altrincham.

Mark Butler has frequently used fringe players in low-key cup games but given his squad's patchy recent form may take a different approach tonight.  Alternatively, he may take the opportunity to rotate his players in order to freshen up the squad, with Scott Todd and Jon Palmer having been gaining match sharpness in the Suburban League recently.

Weather permitting, Kick-off is 7.45pm although it is subject to a 2.30pm pitch inspection.  Should the match go ahead, directions are here.

Twenty-four hours later, the Under-18 team take on Camberley Town in the Southern Youth League.  Second placed Ashford go into this game - their first League match since 29th October - with six wins from six matches, while Camberley won their first seven matches before losing 5-4 at Hayes & Yeading United last week.

Manager Mick Snowden questioned the character of some of his players after last week's loss at Crawley Down and has promised team changes for this match.  However, the Youth Team have played some superb football at times this season and this should be an excellent contest.  Entry is just £3 for Adults.