Ipswich Wanderers boss Shane Wardley is relishing his first steps as a manager, ahead of his side’s Thurlow Nunn Premier game at home to Fakenham today.

The rookie manager was appointed to the role, replacing Glenn Read in May, and has led his side to three victories and five defeats from their eight league games.

“The managing side of things, I am really enjoying it,” said Wardley.

“The league is wide open at the moment and we started off fairly well, but in the last three or four weeks we have tailed off.

“I think it’s fine lines in the Premier Division.

“We have been starting games on the front foot but not taken our chances, and then our opponents have been coming more into the game.

“We have not played against a team where I have thought ‘wow, they are going to do well this season’ although I know Mildenhall have started well, as have Thetford.”

Wardley can call on the services of frontman Billy Holland, who has rejoined the club on loan from Needham Market, having just seen Taylor Bannister return to Bloomfields followiing a similar spell.

“Getting Billy back is a big plus,” added Wardley. “He knows a lot of the lads here from before and his arrival gave us a lift.”

Today’s opponents sit in 10th, five positions above Wanderers, who have two games in hand.

“They will probably be a similar team to last season. They are a few places higher and have played two more games.

“We are only two points behind them though so it already a must-win game for us.

Elsewhere today, Brantham Athletic host high-flying Mildenhall, the home team currently sitting a position above Wardley’s men.

Hadleigh United are at home to Thetford Town, another team that have made a fine start to the season, while Kirkley & Pakefield entertain FC Clacton, Stanway go to Newmarket, Long Melford travel to Swaffham and Walsham Le Willows host Ely City.

In the Suffolk Senior Cup meanwhile, Debenham LC travel to SIL side Felixstowe Harpers, Woodbridge Town visit Leiston, Cornard travel to Stanton and Stowmarket Town host East Bergholt United.

In Division One, Whitton United are on the road at Wisbech St Mary.