LITTLE Oakley boss Matt Carmichael believes his new-look squad is beginning to gel.

The Acorns have made a bright start to the Thurlow Nunn League division one south campaign, winning two and drawing one of their opening three matches, in addition to making Essex Senior Cup progress.

The cup success came on Tuesday night, when they eliminated Burnham Ramblers 4-2 to set up a mouth-watering first-round tie at home to neighbours Harwich and Parkeston.

Carmichael believes it bodes well but, speaking prior to the midweek victory, he still believes there is more to come from his side.

"Performance-wise, we haven't hit top gear yet," he said.

"We've threatened to in spells, within periods within some of the games.

"But there's definitely more to come and it wasn't an especially good performance against Fire United on Saturday, even though we won 2-0.

"We had the bulk of the possession and numerous shots but in other departments we were a bit lacklustre and complacent.

"It was a bit disappointing, although obviously I wasn't too hard on the boys because we still won the game.

"It was just a bit flat and we're not hitting the heights I know we're capable of.

"It felt like a bit of a pre-season friendly and we have to get over that.

"It's certainly not a case of doom and gloom, though, because we're still picking up points.

"But against better sides, we might not get the same amount of possession or shots."

Oakley progressed in the Essex Senior Cup on Tuesday, proving too strong for visiting Burnham.

Harry Mann scored twice in a 4-2 success and he was joined on the scoresheet by Luke Mayhew and Shaun Kioussis.

"It was a decent game against a decent, well-drilled Burnham side," said Carmichael.

"It's good to see us starting to gel.

"It was the fifth game together for this squad and slow improvements are being made week on week.

"Mistakes aside, it was a good win.

"Burnham are going to cause teams problems with their style."

Oakley have no match this weekend.

Their next fixture is on Saturday week (August 31), away to Long Melford.

Mann scored both goals against Fire.

The Harwich Essex Senior Cup tie must be played on or before September 7.