LITTLE Oakley manager Sean Tynan believes his improving players are capable of a mid-table finish this season.

By his own admission, the Acorns boss admits it has been a steep learning curve in the Thurlow Nunn League after gaining promotion as last season’s Essex and Suffolk Border League champions.

However, his team are unbeaten in their last four first division fixtures and notched their third win of the campaign after defeating Norwich United Reserves 3-2 last Saturday.

Tynan admits the victory was “just what the doctor ordered” and believes his side are on the right track to achieve a very respectable mid-table finish.

“It’s genuinely exciting and now we just want to keep this momentum going,” he told the Standard.

“Our progress is there for all to see and slowly but surely, we’re getting there.

“There’s light at the end of the tunnel, after what’s been a challenging, stop-start beginning to the season.

“We’ve had players out and been unable to field a settled side, but that’s starting to change.

“I believe we can finish in mid-table and if we could achieve that, I’d be chuffed to pieces.

“That would represent real progress.”

Oakley are 14th in the table after last weekend’s victory, which was earned thanks to two goals from Harry Mann and one from Lewis Wood.

They had to come from behind after trailing 2-1.

“After a few draws at home, it was exactly what we needed,” added Tynan.

“We went ahead early on but then missed two golden chances to put the game to bed.

“Norwich got back in it and we found ourselves behind at the break.

“But we told the boys that if they kept playing well and doing the right things they’d get their rewards and that’s exactly what happened.

“In the end, we should have scored at least two more goals and won by a more comfortable margin.

“But at least we got the points and that was exactly what the doctor ordered.

“We’re getting better and to come back from behind like that showed real character.

“A month ago we might have rolled over and conceded more in the second half, but now we’re more resilient and know we’re going to score more goals.”

Louis Reynolds (ankle), Rory Harmon (person commitments), Jamie Beecham (personal commitments), Liam Duly (ankle) and Jamie Dobkin (knee) are all non-starters for tomorrow’s trip to Diss Town.

However, Nathan Kioussis (knee), Jordan Heath (ankle) and Ryan Smart (knee) are all over their respective injuries and should be fine for the trip to Norfolk.

“It’ll be another tough game and we’re missing a few key players, but we’ve got some coming back too and that shows the strength in our squad,” added Tynan.

“Harry is such a bright young prospect up front, as he showed with his goals, but then we’ve also got Jordan, Ryan, Sam Eldridge and Rob Pratt.

“It’s great to have options and I’m excited about the rest of the season.”