AFC Sudbury boss Mark Morsley says his side must build on the commitment shown in their Boxing Day win at Mildenhall.

The King’s Marsh club travel to Aveley on Saturday, before entertaining near neighbours Bury Town on New Year’s Day.

It hasn’t been an all-singing, all-dancing start to Morsley’s return to the west Suffolk club – he knows that – and the Mildenhall victory came at a good time, but was only Sudbury’s fourth league win in 16.

Indeed, there have been a few rumblings and groans about results – something Morsley is well aware of – despite telling anyone who wishes to listen – he is rebuilding his squad. Sudbury are in 15th place in Bostik North.

“Clearly the win on Tuesday was one that we needed, although recent results seem to have gleaned more negative comments from some members of the media and some negative supporters, than from me,” Morsley said.

“Although we had two very poor spells in the Witham and Dereham games that we were punished for, there continues to be a lot for me to be excited about.

“As I continue to rebuild the 1st XI at the club, there will always be highs and lows, it was no different five seasons ago at Needham for me – and that journey didn’t go too bad.

“We need to build on the commitment shown on Boxing Day as sometimes we do not make life hard enough for our opposition.

“When it was needed we were prepared to use ‘bodies on the line’ defending and that has to become the norm for us.”

Morsley missed the Mildenhall defeat, as he was ill, while he admits he admires much of what former Brightlingsea Regent manager James Webster is trying to do at Aveley, where Webster is now in charge.

“Although I missed the Mildenhall game, Lee (Norfolk, (Morsley’s assistant)), told me that our new captain Joe Whight nailed a trademark free kick as well as another top drawer performance,” Morsley added.

“Aveley away will be another test as James Webster is also working through a rebuilding process. He has a CV that has to be the best in the region and fair play to him as he is testing himself with this challenge.

“This is a weekend I’m relishing with the challenge at Aveley on Saturday, and then Bury at home on Monday.”