MANAGER Terry Spillane believes two-goal hero Junior Appiah can be a major hit at Maldon and Tiptree.

The striker, who has just signed from Aveley, netted twice on his debut in Saturday’s 4-1 victory at home to Wroxham.

He only came on as a second-half substitute but wasted no time making an impact for his new club.

“Junior is someone I’ve known since he was a kid and I’ve been after him for a while,” said Spillane.

“He scored something like ten goals in 20-odd games for Aveley and then he came on, scored two and should have got four for us on Saturday.

“I knew he’d fit in here because the way we play suits him.

“He’s very direct, quick as you like and knows how to finish.

“He looks after himself and he’s not scared to go in where it hurts.

“On top of that, and perhaps most importantly, he’s a nice, polite kid and he wants to improve and progress.”

Bradley Vaughan and Joe Gardner were also on target against Wroxham, as Maldon extended their unbeaten run to six Ryman League matches.

“We’ve turned it round after a terrible November,” said Spillane.

“We’re playing very well and back to where we want to be.

“There are lots of different reasons for that.

“(Assistant manager) Barry Lakin has come in and really helped and we decided we needed to field some younger, hungrier players.

“They’ve blended in really well.

“Training is great, confidence is high and we’re using a different system that seems to be working well.”

Maldon are now away to Brentwood on Saturday before hosting arch rivals Heybridge Swifts on Boxing Day.

Meanwhile, Maldon have signed goalkeeper Tom Warren.

The shot-stopper has been training with the club for the last few weeks after coming through the youth ranks at Chelmsford City.