CAPEL Plough manager Sean Tynan is under no illusions that his side are in a relegation battle.

The village side currently sit in 11th place and are seven points above second-from-bottom Crane Sports, but Tynan says they are fighting for their survival.

Tynan took over the reins after brother Pat and Archie Arnold stood down after the opening game of the season – a 2-0 defeat at home to champions Grundisburgh.

“I had originally decided to take a break this season, after working with Rob Allum at Framlingham last season, but they spoke to me on a number of occasions and I decided to give it a go.

“I knew it was going to be a tough season, and that has proved to be the case so far. We have lost a number of players since last season, including Kieran Donovan to Achilles and Ricky Thurlow, who has packed up.

“We have brought in several youngsters and we are trying to progress, and although they have found it hard we are moving in the right direction. This season is all about keeping our Senior status.

“As far as I am concerned we are still in a relegation battle and fighting for our survival. We don’t score enough goals – the league table doesn’t lie – but we are all in it together. I am not looking to bring anyone else in.”

After relying on the same core group of players for seven or eight years, Tynan’s brother Pat, Anold and Robbie Fuller have been joined by a crop of youngsters.

Teenager goalkeeper Tom Noon, previously with Needham Market, signed from Felixstowe United and has impressed Tynan so far.

“He has been absolutely outstanding for us and I am sure he will progress to a higher level.”

Liam Powell, son of first-team coach John, joined from Coplestonians A team and has teamed up at centre back with Miles Donovan, back playing this season after a cruciate ligament injury.

Tynan rates Powell, right back Aaron Whitman, who has come through the reserve team, and centre forward Josh Lytess, who has played for Henley Athletic and East Bergholt, all as good prospects.

Capel make the short trip to Ipswich Athletic tomorrow, and Tynan said: “It is always a tough game against Athletic, but we will be going there to get the three points.”