Felixstowe Harpers first-team boss Peter Gorham is hoping his side can keep themselves in the top four by Christmas.

The coastal outfit are currently leading the Suffolk & Ipswich League Senior Division by a point from Achilles, with Wenhaston just behind in third.

Gorham takes his side to Westerfield tomorrow.

It’s always a demanding title to win and Harpers have yet to taste Championship victory in the Senior Division of the SIL. Last year they finished seventh.

“As most people know we are rebuilding a bit from last season,” Gorham said.

“It’s almost a new squad but we are pressing on. The club came close to winning the title a few years ago, but it hasn’t happened for them yet.

“If we can be top three or four by Christmas, then you never know what is going to happen.

“As the season goes on and a few night games creep in at the back end of the season, strange things can happen.”

Harpers drew with Henley last weekend and travel to Ipswich this weekend knowing they can’t afford to drop more points to a Swans side who have only picked up one win so far this season.

“We have to beat Westerfield,” Gorham said.

“We beat them twice last season and we have a better squad of players this time. We are a young bunch of lads, but they work hard and I have every confidence in them.

“We can’t afford to let Achilles get away from us. They are a strong side all round and won’t need us dropping points for them to come through.”

Harpers have a chance to pull four points clear of Achilles, who were held 3-3 by AFC Hoxne last weekend. Achilles don’t have a game on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Hoxne have produced some fine results so far, drawing with Harpers and Achilles, and beating Crane Sports.

Tomorrow Hoxne travel to East Bergholt who have had a difficult start to the season and sit second bottom. Third-placed Wenhaston travel to Capel Plough, where the home side will hope to get their season up and running after a tepid start, while Bramford entertain Haughley and Crane are at home to Cops.