It should come as no surprise that newly-promoted Bramford United are mixing it in the higher echelons of the SIL Senior League.

Third-top United, who travel to Leiston St Margarets on Saturday, are back in the big time after a 10-year absence and, one narrow defeat aside (1-0 at leaders Wenhaston), have hit the ground running, carrying on from where they left off last season.

Since being appointed as manager at the start of last season, Adam Waspe has won a staggering 25 of his 29 leagues games in charge, guiding United to last season’s Division One title – his side dropping just seven points throughout the whole of last term. That success has allowed him to keep his squad together and, more importantly maintain that winning mentality.

They have already defeated many people’s favourites for the title, Felixstowe & Harpers (1-0), as well as fellow promoted side Claydon (3-0) – these victories coming after the opening day loss at Wenhaston.

Waspe is playing down his team’s chances this season, but does acknowledge that keeping his squad together has given Bramford a fighting chance.

“We have kept everyone together and winning is a good habit,” said Waspe, who has added just Henley Athletic’s Terene Hamiton to the ranks.

“We have got a good group of boys who work hard and we have carried on that habit. The most important thing for us this season is to consolidate in the league.

“There are some good sides in the league and we are looking forward to playing the likes of Ipswich Valley Rangers and Achilles.

“I would be happy with a top-half finish and I am not expecting us to come close.

“But we have a good team spirit and do everything as a team. Everyone takes on board what we are trying to do and accepts that we have may have to swap things from time to time.”

Waspe, who guided Hadleigh United Reserves to a league title and an appearance in a Suffolk Junior Cup Final before winning the treble in his second season at Stoke-by-Nayland, was the toast of Acton Road last season as his side emerged from the pack of teams chasing Henley Athletic to win the top prize.

“I think at Christmas they (Henley) were 12 points clear of us,” recalls 33-year-old Waspe, who quit playing football at 21 due to a back injury.

“But we did not lose a single game away from home and only lost once at home.

“We went on a run of 10 or 11 straight wins and Henley needed someone to lose on the final day and they had to get something.

“Claydon and Framlingham both won and Claydon were promoted as runners-up.”