Rick Andrews has tipped Robbie Sweeney to get even better after the winger scored in both of Stowmarket Town’s first two games of the season, writes ALEX MOSS.

The 21-year-old, a summer signing from league rivals Wroxham, has hit the ground running at his new club, finding the target in wins at home to Thetford Town (2-1) last weekend and away at Framlingham Town (3-0) on Tuesday evening.

And Stow boss Andrews believes the former Stevenage trainee will only improve, as his side switch their turn attention away from the league to an Emirates FA Cup extra preliminary round clash at home to Basildon United tomorrow (3pm).

“He’s a great kid,” enthused Andrews.

“We identified him early on and we wanted him. We had a long drawn out saga to get him, but we got there in the end.

“He just wanted to come and play football and he’s one of the ones that needs to have an arm round him and be loved.

“But you can see his qualities on the ball, and there’s things he needs to start applying to his game to meet the standards we require at Stowmarket, like when we don’t have the ball.

“That’s not going to happen overnight, but I think as the season goes on he’ll get even better.”

Stow head into tomorrow’s FA Cup tie in good spirits, having won both of their first two games of a season for the first time in more than 20 years.

Newly-promoted Basildon, who finished second in the Essex Senior League to earn promotion back up to the Bostik League, travel to Greens Meadow for their opening game of the season, with £2,250 and a place in the preliminary round on offer for the winners.

Scott Chaplin and David Kempson are both unavailable today, while Tom Matthews is suspended and Jack Baker is doubtful with injury.

However, Ace Howell could return to the Stowmarket squad for the first time this season.

“Ace has had a few sickness issues and a problem with his hip, which is being looked it,” revealed Andrews.

“We would like him back as soon as possible, as he’s another quality player,” added the Stow boss.