LITTLE Oakley assistant boss Paul Sadler believes his side can go toe-to-toe with anyone in their division.

The Acorns came away with a hard-earned point from a 2-2 draw at high-flying Swaffham Town on Saturday.

They could have taken all three had late - and very valid - penalty appeals not been waved away by the referee.

Saturday’s Thurlow Nunn League first division contest came seven days after an encouraging performance at leaders Woodbridge Town, albeit in a match that ended in a 4-1 defeat.

And Sadler believes his side have become a competitive force in the division - capable of giving anyone a run for their money.

“While delighted to have picked up a point last week, we were a little disappointed not to take all three, especially as we had a strong penalty appeal turned down in the last minute,” he said.

“We know that on our day we’re capable of competing with the top teams in this league and in the last two weeks we’ve proven that.

“The players are learning not to go chasing and to let the better sides have possession, soak up the pressure and then hit teams with pace and power on the break.

“Every time we went forward last week, we looked like we’d cause problems.

“Tomorrow we entertain King’s Lynn Town, which will be another test of how far we’ve come this season.

“We’ve proven hard to beat at home this season so don’t fear any team that comes to us.

“The team spirit is good and having club captain Jamie Dobkin back has given the players a lift. If we keep everyone fit, there’s no reason why we can’t finish the season strongly.”

Sadler admitted being surprised that last weekend’s contest got the go-ahead.

“The pitch had sitting water on it when we arrived and the rain was constant,” he said.

“It wasn’t a day to get the ball down and play football so the pitch was certainly a leveller.

“But conditions aside, we went there in confident mood looking for an upset.”