Maldon & Tiptree players are enjoying their football again and although the Ryman League Division One North play-off places are realistically out of the question they want to end the season on a high. 

That’s the positive view of experienced 32-year-old midfielder Ollie Berquez who claims that although they now have a much smaller squad than at the start of the season they are making progress. 

“We are well away from the relegation zone – we’re on 33 points which is 18 points away – and the pressure is off and it shows in how we are playing,” said Berquez. 

“The new stand-in manager Mike (Flanagan) has lots of experience and it’s shown in how the structure of the side has changed and the more positive way we are playing. 

“I think he’s had a really good effect on the side and in the dressing room. 

“Earlier on we were losing games we should have won but that’s not happening now and we have tightened up at the back and are not conceding goals. 

“I’m really enjoying my game although I haven’t scored recently and I want to put that right.” 

The Wallace Binder Stadium side entertain bottom placed Ilford this Saturday and have another home game against Redbridge the following week. 

“We’ll all be looking for six points from these two games which again will push us up into the top half of the table,” Berquez said. “There is a renewed confidence about the place and a real buzz and I’m sure we can go on and finish much higher in the league than we are at present.” 

The latest recruit to the first team squad is midfielder/defender Ryan O’Rawe who has joined from league rivals Brentwood Town where he was a member of their first team squad but not playing every game. 

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