Saunders challenges Haywards Heath after vital first victory

Goals from Kieran Rowe, Michael Hill (2) and Tom Gilbert earned a fine 4-2 win at home to high-flying Hythe.

It followed a tricky start to their Isthmian south east campaign in which Heath had taken just one point from five games.

Saunders was delighted but said it was vital it proved to be the springboard to a series of better results.

He told Middy Sport: “It was a relief. It felt like it had been a long time coming but knew it would come.

“We’ve not been getting the rub of the green, and injuries and suspensions have been a problem. But the players have worked their socks off. At training, attendance has been good from the lads.

“Now we need to build on it. We’ve shown we can beat a top team when we’re determined and we dig in. We’re not getting carried away but we’ll see where this can take us.”

Heath are at home again this Saturday – eighth-placed Sevenoaks their visitors – and Saunders hopes to see another big crowd like the one that lapped up Saturday’s first win.

He said things were settling down following big changes at the club, and he praised the influence new chairman Steve Isherwood was having,

Saunders said: “He’s talked to the players and I don’t think he’s missed a training session yet.”

The boss still wants to add one or two players to the squad with proven quality and said he hoped to do that within the next couple of weeks.