LITTLE Oakley joint-boss Paul Sadler has admitted his side received a “wake-up call” after losing their first game of the season.

But he was delighted to see them respond positively by notching their first victory of the season, at Lawford Lads on Saturday.

Jamie Beecham (two) and Trevor Lewis were on target in the Essex and Suffolk Border League premier division clash – helping erase memories of the Acorns’ 4-2 reverse at the hands of Alresford Colne Rangers.

“We were really pleased to get our first three points on the board,” said Sadler, who runs the side with Sean Tynan.

“Despite being behind at the break, we still felt confident we’d get something from the game.

“We didn’t deserve to be trailing and went on to control the second half, scoring three goals.

“Losing our first game was a bit of a wake-up call.

“We’d got a little complacent, having won three of our four pre-season games, and were a bit too relaxed.

“But losing probably won’t do us too much harm and it was certainly good and important to bounce back on Saturday.”

Oakley are in Border League Knockout Cup preliminary round action at division two side Tiptree Park tomorrow, followed by the AV Lee Memorial Trophy final against West Bergholt on Tuesday night (7.30pm kick-off, at Colchester Garrison).

The latter match pits the league champions against the Knockout Cup winners. “We won’t be taking anything for granted tomorrow,” said Sadler.

“We know it’ll be tough but we’ll go into the tie with all guns blazing.

“We’ve got an extremely strong squad this season and we’ll be even stronger this week than last.

“Steve Polley, Matt Stace and Rob Pratt missed out for different reasons last week, but all are back in the squad for tomorrow.

“As for Bergholt, it’s not the be all and end all, but it would certainly be nice to win and lay down a marker.

“It would give us a big psychological boost.

“Victory would be a great way to stamp our authority.

“There’s pride at stake, if not points, and it’s a test that we’re really looking forward to.”