MALDON and Tiptree manager David Wright believes his players are improving in all aspects of the game after they embarked on a winning league run.

The Jammers occupy a top-ten position in Ryman League North, following an impressive run of three straight league wins.

In-form Darren McQueen scored both of their goals in their Essex derby clash with Great Wakering Rovers last weekend, lifting them up to ninth in the table.

Wright said: “The players are doing very well and that’s what it’s about.

“They’ve bought into it and they’re improving in all aspects.

“We had a little run of losses and a draw in league and cup competitions but the boys have bounced back really well.

“It’s about having control and composure and if we can continue to do that, we can dominate games.”

Former Ipswich Town trainee McQueen put Maldon ahead at Great Wakering in the closing stages of the first half.

The home side levelled just after the hour mark through Jay Nash but McQueen grabbed what proved to be the winner, with 19 minutes remaining.

Wright said: “We were recently 5-1 up against Wroxham but then let them back into the game and we spoke about controlling the game and what we needed to do, to do that.

“We put that into practice against Great Wakering last weekend – the boys were excellent in the second half and they didn’t look panicky.”

Maldon bowed out of this season’s Essex Senior Cup on Tuesday night after losing in a penalty shoot-out to Ryman League North rivals Aveley.

The Jammers led 2-0 in the third-round tie thanks to goals from McQueen and David Segura.

But Junior Baker then pulled one back for the Millers before a very late equaliser from Liam Nash took the tie to spot-kicks, where the visitors prevailed 5-4.

“When we went 2-0 up against Aveley, I was thinking “let’s see if we can see this out,” said boss Wright.

“The boys don’t quite know how to control games yet but I’m sure that will come in time.”

McQueen is one of several Maldon players who are currently also training with Colchester United’s under-21 squad, as part of the link-up between Maldon and the League One club.

Femi Akinwande has also been training with the U’s academy and played in their under-21 victory over Bolton Wanderers in the Professional Development League at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, on Tuesday night.

Wright added: “It was great for Femi to play for the under-21s and he did well, so we’re really pleased with him.

“It shows the pathway that is in place for players if they continiuously perform and improve.

“We’re limited in terms of the number of games that he can play for the under-21s, because he’s signed to Maldon.

“It’s not ideal because it would have been better being able to have a good look at him for the under-21s but it is what it is.

“He’s a great kid who wants to do well.

“We can play him in two league under-21 games but it would be possible to play him in behind-closed-doors games, too.

“But Maldon have a Saturday-Tuesday programme of games coming up and there are more than enough games for him to play in.

Maldon do not have a game this weekend, due to their scheduled opponents Haringey Borough being involved in the FA Trophy.

The Jammers are next in action next Tuesday when they travel to play Tilbury, for another Essex derby.