AFC Sudbury boss Mark Morsley is pleased with the way his squad is developing, despite the west Suffolk side again drawing on Tuesday night.

The King’s Marsh side travel to Essex to play Grays (at Aveley FC), on Saturday, smarting from another late equaliser – this time at Brentwood Town – that means Morsley’s side have won just one Bostik North game in 12.

“Although we succumbed to another late goal at Brentwood, we did put in an excellent performance,” Morsley said.

“It is a steep learning curve when you have to find the right system and balance to play an away game in English non-league winter football.

“Brentwood is almost on a different planet to playing at King’s Marsh and dealing with that for the developing talent will take time. Saying that the group are developing a tougher edge and we had some outstanding performances in the game, and we certainly deserved to have take all three points.”

One of those players Morsley was quick to praise was striker Mekhi McKenzie.

He was voted man-of-the-match against Brentwood with a tireless running performance up front.

“That was 100% the right choice,” Morsley said.

“There was a number of notable performances as well but the overriding plus for me is how the players are developing their durability

“Saturday again will be something different with Grays ground-sharing with Aveley so it’s a 3G pitch.

“Our mind set has to be the same as Tuesday, we need to be hard to beat and a threat in possession.”

Morsley signed Brightlingsea Regent striker Phil Kelly earlier this week and the former R’s star goes straight into the squad for this weekend’s game. Morsley is pleased with his addition.

“Having Phil Kelly in the building will give us something a bit different which will give us a bit more of a cutting edge,” Morsley added.

“Getting the squad right will take time but as the lads who I have promoted from the Academy get stronger and more experienced and they are added to the right new recruits, this is a combination that excites me.”

Mid-table Grays sit just three places above Sudbury in the Bostik North table but surprisingly lost to then-basement side Romford on New Year’s Day.