Willows standing tall at the summit of the Premier

MAN OF THE MATCH: Ollie Hughes

Published on 28/12/2012 17:00

Walsham-le-Willows’ manager Paul Smith has hailed the efforts of his players after masterminding the Willows’ climb to the top of the table.

The Summer Road-based outift, who have proved to be the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division surprise package, were finally rewarded for their fine form, as an eighth consecutive league victory, a 2-0 Boxing Day success over Diss Town, saw them overhaul previous leaders Mildenhall Town.

It is a stark contrast to previous seasons spent battling relegation and Smith, who takes his side to Brantham Athletic tomorrow (3pm), has backed his currently unstoppable charges to remain at the summit for the remainder of the campaign.

“Being at the top of the table at this stage of the season is all credit to the players at this club,” he said. “That’s eight wins on the bounce now, which is a fantastic run of form.

“Like most, I don’t think they can believe it, they just don’t think they can get beaten and if we can stay clear of injuries then we could stay there.

“However, we just have to take it one game at a time, keep everyone’s feet on the ground and see what happens.

“Our form may be a little bit of a surprise to some, but these players from Christmas last year had a great run, so it was only a matter of getting a couple of bodies in.

“We are now proving the point that we can more than hold our own in this league.”

Meanwhile, Hall were forced to settle for a share of the spoils after a hard-fought 1-1 draw at home to Ely City.

Christian Appleford’s side were left to rue an inability to capitalise on a lead after Kris Thomas’ 12th-minute opener was cancelled out by Austin Diaper just two minutes later.

Walsham travel to Brantham tomorrow, while Mildenhall Town host Thetford Town (both 3pm).

The Willows also travel to Thetford on Wednesday (7.45pm).

In the First Division, Team Bury visit Halstead Town (3pm).

n Log on to www.buryfreepress.co.uk to watch our video interview with Walsham manager Paul Smith.

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Willows standing tall at the summit of the Premier

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