LITTLE Oakley manager Sean Tynan insists his side have nothing to fear heading into a pair of tricky away games against the top two.

The Acorns visit Thurlow Nunn League first division pacesetters Woodbridge Town tomorrow, followed by a fixture at second-placed Swaffham Town next Saturday.

On paper, they appear tough matches against sides firmly in the hotseat for promotion back to the premier division.

However, Tynan believes his side can give a good account of themselves and says that being the away team could work to their advantage.

By a strange coincidence, nine of their remaining 14 games are all away, with just five left at the Memorial Ground.

“We’ve got some tough games coming up and although we’ve only got five more home games, I think we actually play better away,” said Tynan.

“We let teams come onto us but we can counter-attack really well and break down the wings.

“Sometimes that helps us on our travels, whereas at home sometimes the mentality is ‘let’s go for it, let’s go for it’.

“I think we’re getting better but we need to try and be more consistent, rather than playing well in spurts.

“It’s been a learning curve this season.

“We’ve always been realistic and knew there were going to be ups and downs.

“But I’ve always said a mid-table finish would represent a great season and we’re not far from that now.”

Oakley had been unbeaten in four league games - their best run of the season - prior to last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Cornard United.

Skipper Lewis Wood scored their consolation goal.

Teenager Tyler Sullivan was promoted to the starting line-up, having made an impact as a substitute in Oakley’s previous game - their 3-2 victory against Holland FC.

“Young Tyler played a lovely pass for our winning goal in that game and it was great for him, because he’s been between the first team and reserves,” added Tynan.

“But we want to give boys like him a chance to show what they can do for next season.”

Ryan Smart is suspended for both the Woodbridge and Swaffham matches, in addition to Oakley’s home game against King’s Lynn Town Reserves on February 17, after being sent off in the Holland match.

“Ryan’s a young lad who has never played Saturday football before, just Sunday mornings,” said Tynan.

“He’s been with us for six or seven weeks. He’s a bit raw but he’s finding his feet.

“Maybe it will teach him a lesson he needs to learn but he’ll be missed because he’s robust and lively."