HARWICH and Parkeston manager Matt Carmichael says his players are more fired up and motivated than ever to secure title glory.

The Shrimpers were knocked off top spot in the Kent Blaxill Essex and Suffolk Border premier division after last week’s 2-1 defeat at new leaders Tollesbury.

Carmichael admitted the setback was a blow to his team’s title chances. But he expects the disappointment to act as a motivational tool, to spur his players on in the closing weeks of the season.

“It was a disappointing result but not the end of the world,” he said.

“There are still plenty of games left and it will go to the wire, with more twists and turns to come.

“We’re still in the thick of it and up for the challenge."

For the full story, see this week's Standard.