By Matt Plummer

Witham Town boss Garry Kimble believes his players have rediscovered their belief.

After back-to-back defeats, the club have made a bright start to November.

They won at Phoenix Sports and also progressed in the Essex Senior Cup, after a penalty shoot-out against Grays Athletic.

They then produced a battling display before being pipped 2-1 by Ryman League north division leaders Cray Wanderers, on Saturday.

Kimble described it as one of the best performances of the season and admitted being bitterly disappointed that Tuesday’s derby against Brightlingsea Regent was then postponed, due to the waterlogged state of the Village Glass Stadium pitch.

“We’d been playing well enough, in certain periods of games,” said Kimble, whose side host Romford on Saturday.

“But the thing that pleases me most, and something I’ve noticed in the last fortnight or so, is that the players have got their belief back.

“They know they can match anyone on their day and it’s just a pity the weather defeated us on Tuesday night.

“The boys were really up for the game and we were all looking forward to it.

“Our pitch is immaculate this season, compared to last.

“This time last year we’d have had more games off.

“But on this occasion the bad weather prevailed and it was a real shame.

“It means we’ve got games in hand on sides around us, but I’d much rather have the points on the board.”

Kimble has reflected on a period of change, in terms of his playing staff.

The likes of Lewis Godbold and Danny Emmanuel have departed and they have been joined in the last week by Shamido Pedulu, who has joined Brightlingsea.

“We’ve had a few changes and of our starting line-up on Saturday, only Paul White was here last season,” said Kimble.

“John Watson would have been another but he was injured.

“Shami’s decision to leave was particularly disappointing after I decided to leave him out for the game at Phoenix.

“He didn’t want to sit on the bench and that’s why he’s moved on.

“It’s a shame, but I only want players who want to be here.

“I’ve got a good bunch of lads who are willing and want to do well for Witham Town.”

Kimble is hoping Watson, Mitch Hunter and George Cocklin all recover from knocks in time for Saturday’s match against Romford.