LITTLE Oakley manager Sean Tynan wants his players to knuckle down and step up to the plate as they continue their countdown towards the new Thurlow Nunn League season.

The Acorns boss has been buoyed and encouraged by his side’s performances in their opening two pre-season friendlies.

However, with just over a fortnight to go until the new division one south campaign gets underway, he says the time is right to ramp up preparations.

“There have been lots of positives from our first two friendlies, even though both ended in defeat,” he said.

“Things are progressing nicely and we’ve experimented with different players and formations.

“Both games were great work-outs and the scores were irrelevant but now’s the time to knuckle down.

“I still need to trim the squad down and we need to show we’re building up towards our first game of the season, at home to Hashtag United.

“It’s going to be a really tough game against one of the favourites for the title, so we need to be ready and prepared.

“We want to give a good account of ourselves and that’s why our preparations in the next fortnight are very serious and important.”

Oakley kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 defeat at home to FC Clacton, last Saturday.

Luke Mayhew put them ahead but the Seasiders netted twice late on and grabbed a last-gasp winner through former Brantham Athletic midfielder Jack Clampin.

The Acorns then lost 2-0 at West Bergholt on Tuesday.

Next up is a trip to Dedham Old Boys on Saturday followed by a home match against Leiston Reserves on Tuesday.

“The Clacton match was a tough one because they were well-organised and ahead of us, in terms of their preparations,” added Tynan.

“Nevertheless, we kept on battling and there were lots of positives, despite their two late goals.

“It was the same against Bergholt on Tuesday.

“The pitch was rock-hard and we had six players involved who hadn’t been available for any pre-season training sessions.

“But, once again, there were encouraging signs and first starts for Harry Mann (who recently signed an FA contract with the club) and Lewis Webster.”

After opening their league campaign against Hashtag, Oakley travel to newly-promoted Coggeshall United on Tuesday, August 7.