LITTLE Oakley hotshot Luke Mayhew believes his side have the quality and firepower to sustain their title push.

The Acorns are second in Thurlow Nunn League division one south after a dominant, one-sided 8-0 victory against Newbury Forest on Saturday.

It means they have won nine of their 16 matches so far and are breathing down the necks of early pacesetters Lopes Tavares.

Mayhew, who has already scored 19 goals, sees no reason for his side's challenge to fade and says Oakley's ambition is one of the main reasons he is enjoying his football at the Memorial Ground.

"I love it and the fact it's my club, having been here since I was nine, makes our success all the more enjoyable," he said.

"Everyone wants to continue moving forward.

"The club want to move up to the next level and that's the thing that makes me want to stay.

"We're all ambitious and all want the same things.

"To get promoted and go far in one of the cups would make it a very good season.

"We've played more games than some teams but it's nice to have points on the board.

"We've got a lot of quality and great depth.

"Now we've got to keep our heads down and keep doing what we're doing.

"If we do that, I think we'll go up."

Mayhew is part of a prolific attacking trio alongside Harry Mann and Greg Rodger.

All three have been regular scorers this season and Mayhew is already closing in on his pre-season target of 20 goals.

"I set a target before the start and have nearly hit it now," he said.

"My previous best was only 13 and I'm really enjoying playing up front with Harry and Greg.

"They're both good players and it's really fun.

"Greg's talent is scary. He could go as far as he wants and has all the potential in the world.

"Harry's just a goal machine. His track record speaks for itself.

"We link up well and we're all capable of causing problems for defenders.

"The service is good and it's nice being part of such a good team."

Mann, Rodger (two), Mayhew (two), Harry Miller, Lewis Wood and Brad James scored Oakley's goals against Newbury Forest.

Matt Carmichael’s men remain second as Lopes won 2-0 at home to Burnham Ramblers.

Meanwhile, the Acorns gave themselves a psychological boost after beating title rivals Lopes Tavares 2-0 in the League Challenge Cup last Tuesday.

Mayhew scored both goals and admitted that although it was a cup quarter-final place at stake, rather than league points, it could have a bearing.

"It was a big boost," he said.

"It means we'll be confident of beating them when they come back here in the league.

"I was really pleased to score twice but, more than anything, just happy to win the game.

"Lopes are a tough team and when we went away to their place in the league, we didn't really get a sniff.

"So to score twice against them, and book our place in the quarter-final, was a great feeling.

"I hadn't scored for a couple of games so was getting itchy feet."

Oakley are away to Coggeshall United on Saturday.