MALDON and Tiptree boss David Wright believes his side can enjoy a “strong season” – as long as they stay patient and manage expectations.

The Jammers are 16th in the Ryman League north division following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Brightlingsea Regent and a 3-2 loss at Redbridge on Tuesday.

Wright admits his young side are a work in progress but is confident they will keep improving and flourish as the campaign unfolds.

“People thought we were going to turn up and roll the league over,” said the former Colchester United player.

“But it doesn’t happen like that.

“A lot of the players we come up against have played a lot of games at this level.

“They’re very street-wise and even if our boys might be tactically and technically better, they’re not as experienced.

“Opposition players are more physical and they know how to win and manage games.

“In a couple of years’ time my players will have that knowledge and they’ll use it.

“In the meantime we’ll keep going, keep working with them and stay patient, because we’re extremely positive that we’ll develop some really good young players and have a strong season.”

Wright believes his side raised their game in the second half of Saturday’s defeat at North Road.

It reminded him of the team’s performance in last month’s victories against AFC Sudbury and AFC Hornchurch.

“The first half was average, the second a lot better,” said the Jammers boss.

“We pressed and won balls back early, without really making their keeper work as much as I’d like.

“That intensity and tempo of play is what we’re after and that’s the performance level I’d like from the boys.

“We went to Sudbury and won 2-0 and beat Hornhcurch 3-1.

“They’re the levels we reached, although on those occasions we worked the goalkeeper and scored goals.

“In the last couple of weeks, we’ve moved away from that and haven’t been able to sustain it.”