MALDON and Tiptree boss Terry Spillane believes his side showed their title credentials on Saturday.

The Ryman League division one north leaders secured a 3-0 victory at basement boys Ilford.

However, far from being a straightforward afternoon against struggling opposition, Spillane praised his side for showing the right mindset and “winning the battle, then the football match”.

“I firmly believe titles are won and lost at places like that,” he said.

“And winning those kind of games really showed our credentials.

“It gives me even more satisfaction than beating the top sides.

“When you play the top teams, everyone’s pumped up and the players know they need to be at their best. But when you play sides at the bottom, it’s very easy to have the wrong mindset.

“You’re expected to turn up and win and that brings its own pressures.

“Our players came up trumps and showed exactly the right attitude, though.

“They were very professional. They keep coming up with the right answers and that made me very happy.”

Maldon now switch their attention to Saturday’s home game against Waltham Abbey.