LOCAL SOCCER: Just one league defeat – and a midweek cup victory over FA Vase finalists Tiptree United – have set Whitton United up for a successful season.

By Elvin King

LOCAL SOCCER

JUST one league defeat – and a midweek cup victory over FA Vase finalists Tiptree United – have set Whitton United up for a successful season.

And manager Kevin Cunningham takes his side to Jewson League First Division strugglers Warboys singing the praises of his new assistant Mark Manning.

"We are not getting carried away by any means and will keep our feet on the ground," said Cunningham. "We have enjoyed a good start – as good as we could have hoped for.

"Against Premier Division Tiptree we could have scored five times in the opening 20 minutes."

Chris Sadler scored the only goal in the 78th minute to send Whitton through to the second round of the Jewson League Cup.

Manning enjoyed tremendous success as Steve Potts' right hand man at Grundisburgh and was previously a vital influence when Stutton were one of the best sides in the Metaltec SIL.

He moved to Whitton during the summer. "The appointment of Mark has proved a big success," added Cunningham.

"He has been tremendous. Mark has the ability to work so well with players, and he gives them

self-esteem and confidence.

"With Paul Skingley as coach we have an ideal back-up team. Warboys may be second from bottom but we have learned over the years that there are no easy matches in the First Division and we expect a tough battle.

"We shall be looking for three points and if we then win our games in hand we will be up among the

leaders."

Cunningham has a young side at his disposal, with five teenagers. Dean Tournay-Godfrey, 17, made his debut against Tiptree having come on against Tiptree. He is the son of former Westerfield and Heathfield player David Godfrey.

David Grimwood is another 17-year-old and he is a regular along with Duane Wright.

"Our biggest asset on the field is the pace we have up front in Jorrel Hurd and Rene Swann, who are also teenagers.

"There is a great belief in the dressing room and we are optimistic, but we are not going to get carried away."

Hadleigh have also made a bright beginning to this campaign, and after a break last week they return to action with a home game against March Town.

Leiston visit fancied Long Melford while Needham Market travel to Somersham. Felixstowe and Walton United are fourth from bottom and have found life tough since dropping down from the Premier Division.

They must start winning soon to have any chance of a quick return to the top flight, and face King's Lynn reserves at home, a ground switch because Lynn's first team are involved in him FA Trophy action.

In the Premier Division, Ipswich Wanderers' youngsters face a stiff task against Wroxham at Humber Doucy Lane, while Woodbridge travel to Mildenhall. Stowmarket Town are without a game.

PLANS have moved a stage further for a new purpose-built football complex between Whitton and Claydon.

This will tie in with the KingGeorge V ground and may well result in the closure of the latter. The plan is for six pitches, four adult size and two junior. Applications for planning permission is currently being considered.