STEVE Ball is not taking the Jammers’ match against struggling Barkingside lightly.

The Maldon and Tiptree boss is hoping his side can continue their winning ways after their 2-1 Ryman League division north win away at Bury Town last weekend.

This Saturday they entertain the side second-from-bottom in the table at Park Drive.

But Ball is viewing it as one of their toughest games of the season.

He said: “If you look at Maldon’s recent results then you can see we have been beaten by teams at the bottom end of the table.

“We lost 3-0 to Waltham Abbey back in October.

“It’s probably a mentality issue, where we raise our game against the better teams.

“We will be treating this match as one of our toughest tests of the season.

“There is no point winning games against Aveley and Bury and a tough derby against Heybridge and then drop points if we lose against Barkingside.

“They are fighting for their lives in the relegation zone and that gives them an extra bit of determination.

“So it is going to be a really tough match and we will be treating it as such.”

Ball was also happy that they could get their game on after recent disruptions in the weather has only see them play two league games so far in January.

He added: “It was good to get back out on the pitch in a competitive game.

“I was really pleased with our fitness levels, especially with the lack of games we have had.

“The Southend Manor friendly helped last Tuesday to blow the cobwebs away.

“It’s good to get that winning feeling in the side and build that momentum.

“I want to keep that going. I am not saying we are going to win every game but if we can win five out of seven then that would be good.”

Maldon entertained Stanway Rovers in round one of the Tolleshunt D’arcy Memorial Cup on Tuesday night and won 4-2.

Two goals from Darren Mills and strikes from Rhys Henry and Nnamdi Nwachuku secured their place in the semi-final.