LITTLE Oakley assistant manager Paul Sadler has challenged his players to stay unbeaten for as long as possible.

The Acorns are yet to taste defeat and moved to the top of the Essex and Suffolk Border League premier division table following Saturday’s 2-0 win at neighbours Harwich and Parkeston.

They have won 11 and drawn two of their 13 matches so far and now have a two-point lead over previous table-toppers Gas Recreation.

“To be unbeaten is fantastic and something to be very proud of,” said Sadler, who runs the side with manager Sean Tynan.

“We bring it up every week in the team talk and ask the boys how long they can keep it up.

“Maybe there will be a week when we come unstuck and if we lose a game it’s not the end of the world.

“We just have to make sure we bounce back the following week and get back to business.

“For now, though, we couldn’t ask for anything more and want to keep it going as long as possible.

“Hopefully we can stay unbeaten until the end of the season but we know it won’t be easy because every side will raise their game, almost like it’s their cup final.

“Every team wants to be the first to beat us and it was no different against Harwich.”

Jordan Heath headed Oakley into a first-half lead in Saturday’s derby at the Royal Oak, which was watched by a bumper crowd of 411.

Jake Kioussis then doubled the advantage with an unstoppable effort after the break.

“Harwich gave us a couple of scares and came at us at times, but I felt that overall we controlled the game,” added Sadler, whose side have a home date with Weeley Athletic on Saturday.

“Even though it was a derby and there were bragging rights at stake, our priority was just getting the three points.

“Given our position in the league, that was what really mattered but of course it was nice to beat our local rivals, too.

“It was a game the players really wanted to win so all-round it was a really good day, especially as it took us back to the top of the table above Gas.

“Now it’s down to them to chase us rather than us being the chasers. Hopefully it’s going to be an exciting second-half of the season.”

Oakley and Gas have both played 13 matches – three less than third and fourth-placed Alresford Colne Rangers and Coggeshall Town Reserves respectively.