LITTLE Oakley assistant boss Paul Sadler insists his side still have plenty to play for this season - and says there is no chance of the campaign fizzling out.

The Acorns only have eight Thurlow Nunn League first division fixtures left with their next two both at the Memorial Ground.

They host Diss Town tomorrow followed by a rearranged Essex derby against Halstead Town on Tuesday night.

Oakley can still finish in mid-table and Sadler has challenged his players to finish as strongly as possible before bringing the curtain down on their campaign at Framlingham Town on April 28.

"We want to finish as strong as we can and it's our intention to get as many points as possible," he told the Standard.

"Then we can attempt to carry on where we left off next season.

"We're still looking for a mid-table finish.

"It's still possible - we just need to beat the sides around us.

"For our first season at this level, that would be a great achievement and big progress.

"We always said this year was about finding our feet and adjusting to the new level of football.

"We'll push on and there's still a lot to play for, as far as we're concerned.

"We've got a very busy April with Saturday and Tuesday matches.

"The game we were due to play on Easter Monday (at Norwich United Reserves) will also now have to rescheduled after being postponed.

"But that's part and parcel of this level of football.

"It's busy but fun and we definitely won't let things fizzle out.

"(Manager) Sean (Tynan) and I wouldn't allow that to happen.

"We're 100 per committed in every game and want the players to have that attitude, too.

"In the second half of the season, especially, they've produced some excellent performances and there's plenty to build on."

One of the big positives in recent weeks has been the return to fitness of club stalwart Rory Harman.

The defender or midfielder had been out since October because he needed a hernia operation but he made his comeback in the Acorns' recent defeat against leaders Woodbridge Town.

"It's great to see Rory back," added Sadler.

"He's a real club man and a big part of what we're trying to do here, as I'm sure he will be for a number of years to come.

"He's been here since he was a young boy and all he wants to do is play football for Little Oakley.

"He's a good communicator, he's committed and it was fantastic to see him get 90 minutes under his belt against Woodbridge against King's Lynn."