Wealdstone's class of 2008 have been told to keep on improving as Ash-ord Town (Middlesex) provide them with their next test at Grosvenor Vale on Saturday.
Gordon Bartlett's young side have come into their own since the middle of October and last weekend's victory at Tonbridge was the sixth in their last eight league games.
Theynow face another side in the play-off race and one who have proved something of a bogey in recent years.
"Ashford have had the better of us for the last couple of seasons so we are hoping we can put this one to rest on Saturday," said Stones boss Bartlett. "Whether that has been down to us not playing well or them playing an effective system, I don't know. But, like Ton-bridge, they are right up there in the mix and are another strong side."
Bartlett recently accused his young charges of being naive but is excited about what the future holds, should his current squad of players pledge their immediate futures to the club.
"I've gone on record as saying this is the best group of players I've had since I've been at the club," he added. "There is a lot to look forward to here. Many of these players have never been in this position before but we've won six from our last eight, and that is pretty consistent. We had Ryan Ashe and James Gray missing last weekend and if you took Davis (Haule, 32) out, our next oldest player is 23."
Bartlett will be forced to make at least one change for Saturday after David Hicks became the first Stones player to pick up five yellow cards this season, resulting in an automatic one match ban.
"He will be disappointed as he played well on Saturday, scoring, having a hand in the other and even playing a part in their goal." commented the manager. "Discipline was an area last season we said we wanted to improve on and we have done that. Things are going in the right direction."
Lee Chappell is likely to retain the captains armband if James Gray fails to recover from badly bruised ribs while Ashe should be fit for selection. Youngster Greg Ngoyi should retain his place up front alongside Haule.
"Greg did okay (against Tonbridge)," said Bartlett. "When I brought him off he told me 'I wanted to score', which tells me he has got the hunger to succeed."
* A new supporters' club shop will be officially opened at the ground on Saturday. The shop, which is sandwiched between the boardroom and refreshments kiosk, will be selling an extensive selection of souvenirs and merchandise including replica kits, headwear, coast-ers, fridge magnets, books, t-shirts, wrist bands, pennants and Ryman car stick-ers. The shop will be open prior to kickoff, at half-time and after the game.
* A Christmas quiz night will be held at Grosvenor Vale next Wednesday, 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Entry for teams (maximum of four members) is £5 per head. Food will be available.
* Wealdstone have been drawn away to Staines Town in the third round of the Isthmian League Cup. The match will be played during the week commencing Monday, January 5.
