HEYBRIDGE Swifts manager Cliff Akurang feels people are standing up and taking notice of his squad.

His players delivered one of the biggest results of Akurang’s nascent managerial career as they beat rivals Maldon and Tiptree 3-0 on Easter Monday at Park Drive.

As well as bringing the local bragging rights back to Scraley Road, the three points lifted Swifts into the top half of the Ryman League division one north table ahead of Saturday’s home game against Wroxham (3pm).

It hasn’t always been the easiest of campaigns for Heybridge, but Akurang feels the way they are finishing it is turning heads in a good way.

He said: “I think it’s really important for the boys to feel that they have got something out of the season and to be at the right end of the table.

“We have a big chance to achieve that now.

“I think we have turned a few heads already so people see that we aren’t the old Heybridge that was dropping points earlier in the season.

“This is a new Heybridge and I think we’re making people stand up and take notice.

“I have pressure on myself as manager as I’m new to management and everyone expects so much from me.

“They also expect from the players, but I’m trying to keep them grounded.

“We’ll take it one step at a time as you have to earn the right to have those expectations.

“You have to be successful in the league and in cups, but heads have to be kept on the ground.”