MALDON and Tiptree boss David Wright has praised in-form forward Femi Akinwande following his impressive scoring streak.

Akinwande has struck four goals in the club’s last three matches and netted again in their 5-4 win over Wroxham, on Tuesday night.

His goals have lifted Maldon up to tenth in Ryman League division north and boss Wright is delighted with the youngster’s attitude.

Wright said: “Femi is a little ray of sunshine.

“Every time I see him he’s smiling and when you see him, it’s like it’s Christmas morning every single day!

“He left Millwall when he was 16 and had never been in a professional environment but he’s taking it in his stride.

“He’s working his socks off and trying to seize the opportunity that he’s got.”

Maldon head into their Essex derby at Great Wakering Rovers on Saturday buoyed by back-to-back wins.

They followed up their 2-1 win over Aveley last weekend with their midweek triumph over Wroxham, where they had led 4-0 and 5-1.

Darren Mills gave them a dream start after three minutes before Kieran Monlouis netted from 20 yards.

Akinwande then coolly slotted home just before the break to make it 3-0.

Matt Lock headed a fourth just after the restart and although Wroxham soon pulled one back, Nnamdi Nwachuku pounced to make it 5-1.

Maldon were cruising to victory but Wroxham then netted three more times, including a penalty, to make it a nervous last few minutes for the Jammers.

However, they held on to claim another three points and move into a top-ten position in the table.

Wright has now been in charge for more than three months and believes his players’ understanding of the game is improving.

He added: “When you’re a coach, it’s rewarding when you connect with players and you get a reaction from them.”