City jumped to fourth place in the table after Tuesday’s draw with Braintree Town and head to a rejuvenated Hemel Hempstead side on Saturday, looking for another important three points in their play-off bid. 

However, with only three points separating third placed Braintree and seventh placed Chelmsford, two defeats (or wins) for any team battling to finish in the top seven, could drastically alter the standings. 

Which means centre-midfielder Ashby and his team-mates know they need to keep delivering positive performances to stay in their lofty position as they prepare for the weekend’s tough test.

“I think every game is difficult and to use the old cliché, there are no easy games in this league, but it’s true,” he said. 

“The results are showing that it is the case and that everyone is beating everyone at the moment.

“We were a little bit disappointed on Tuesday with just a point (against Braintree), but we’re looking forward to Saturday. They’re a good side on a good run of form.”

“I think the main thing for us is putting in a good performance, because usually when we perform well, we get decent results. That’s the first thing we’ll be thinking of.

“If we work hard and do everything well out of possession with enthusiasm and energy, then we can get a result. If we don’t, then it will turn into a tough afternoon for us.”