PAUL CHAMBERS reckons not even Lionel Messi could have dribbled the ball on the below-par Rusthall pitch – but it couldn't stop a confident Ashford United running out 3-0 winners.

Lee Coburn, Jimmy Dryden and Mitchell Mannell got the goals in the second half as United mixed it up after the break and become much more of a threat.

United – who included Richard Sinden in their side for the first time on dual registration from Hythe – found it hard to cope with conditions in the first half but a change of tactics reaped rewards.

Happy boss Chambers explained: "The pitch was terrible – it was very, very bobbly and it cut up badly.

"It was impossible to play football and not even Messi could run with the ball on there so our lads didn't have much hope of doing so!

"They were trying their best but they just couldn't do it. It was far too tough an ask and it wasn't the right way to play.

"At half-time we told the lads 'don't bother trying to play football, get the ball upfield' and they did.

"It's not our style of play and it's not how we want to do it but sometimes it's horses for courses and you have to do what you have to do.

"We told them to kick and run and it worked. Hopefully we won't have to do that many times this season but it got us a result.

"They did exactly what I asked and it got us back to winning again."

Jimmy Dryden had a penalty saved in the first half but Chambers never really sensed the result was in doubt.

"It was a good result and maybe we should have had a few more than the three we got," said Chambo.

"We got three goals and a clean sheet so it was a good day at the office.

"I thought the referee should have sent their keeper off, though, and we would have certainly had a few more as he was outstanding.

"He started walking off when but the referee pulled him back and only booked him which was bizarre.

"I always thought we were the better side."

Chambers was full of praise for his young guns too, one of whom bagged his first goal for United.

"I'm made up for Mitch as he really deserved that goal," Chambers beamed.

"He's been working hard and he, Ross (Laurie) and Liam (Walsh) are three young lads I'm really pleased with."

United are back on the road on Saturday when they travel to Phoenix Sports (2pm kick-off).

Mo Takaloo will still be suspended, as will Ollie Finch.

Dryden has been called back by Hythe Town and Chambers is unsure whether he'll have new boy Sinden available again.