Alarm bells are ringing at AFC Sudbury.

Following Tuesday night’s 4-1 away defeat at Wingate & Finchley, The Yellows dropped into the Ryman Premier Division relegation zone for the first time this season.

And with a daunting trip to second-placed Havant & Waterlooville tomorrow afternoon, Sudbury boss Jamie Godbold has admitted that there are some severe alarm bells ringing within the camp.

“If there weren’t any (alarm bells) before, there certainly are now,” said Godbold.

“I wouldn’t say we are playing poorly, but we are just lacking a bit of experience and game management.

“Our mistakes are being punished, and on Tuesday, I was left scratching my head at the end of the game because the game itself was very even.”

One positive from Tuesday night was the return of goalscoring midfielder Craig Parker, who came off the bench for the last 20 minutes.

“Craig and Marcus (Garnham) have just returned to fitness, they are two of our most experienced players, who have played in big games, and we have nine huge games left, hopefully they can prove their worth.”

Winger Jordan Blackwell has also returned to the fold lately, following injury problems, although Godbold will be sweating on the fitness of skipper Sam Clarke and new signing Ace Howell tomorrow afternoon.

Experienced midfielder Erkan Okay has also been ruled out for the rest of the season, after discovering that he has torn his ACL in a scan last week.

“Erkan has been and will continue to be a big miss for us. He’s experienced and impressed in the games he did play for us.”

A trip to a side gunning for the title is far from ideal for relegation-threatened Sudbury, but Godbold is looking forward to the challenge.

“We will do our best to compete with a team second in the league,” he continued.

“We are not expected to win, so it’s a bit of a free hit for us, and hopefully that will take the pressure off us a little.

“The home game against Harrow Borough next Saturday (March 18) is when the pressure will be on, it’s a massive game.”