Despite sitting in a precarious 17th position as things stand in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division, Whitton United boss Paul Bugg believes that he has already seen enough in his side to move up and out of the bottom breaches of the league and into the mid-table berths.

Bugg’s men, who achieved promotion from the Thurlow Nunn First Division last season, have won just one of their opening six league games, as well as bowing out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle to lower-league opposition in Haverhill Borough, but Bugg is certainly not pressing any panic buttons at this early stage of the season.

“Three of the teams we’ve played this season are currently in the top six so we’ve had a difficult start, especially for a newly-promoted side,” declared Bugg.

“I’m not making excuses but we haven’t managed to establish a settled side in two games consecutively yet.

“That said we have played some good football this year, we’ve had lots of possession but haven’t put the ball in the back of the net.

“After we lost (2-1) to Newmarket Town recently, their manager Kevin Grainger pulled me aside and said to me that we’re the best footballing side they’ve played this season.

“We do have some great individual players and when we do click we’ll have more than enough to compete and move up the league, but it is a results business and we need those sooner rather than later.”

Of the FA Cup exit to Haverhill Borough, Bugg said: “To be fair, I think we were looking one game in advance.

“Leiston were my old club and we took our eyes off the prize, we were looking beyond where we should’ve been but fair play to Haverhill - I spoke to Steve Ball (Leiston manager) and he said they put up a good fight against them.”

Bugg’s men, strengthened by the recent arrival of Miles Powell from Felixstowe & Walton, travel to Ely City this weekend followed by a home game to FC Clacton on Tuesday in a big four days for the club.

“I’d be happy with four points,” declared Bugg.

“I’d take four points and run, I’d love to get six but if we can come out from those games unbeaten and with four points I’d be happy.”

Whitton came up alongside Ipswich Wanderers and Fakenham Town last season, and Bugg believes all three should maintain their Premier status.

“Based on what I’ve seen so far, I think all three promoted sides should survive and finish 16th or above.”

Bugg is without six players for the trip to Ely through a mixture of injury, suspension, and unavailability, but welcomes former Brantham stopper Ryan Bedingfield into the equation.

After spending a bit of time out of the game following the arrival of his new baby ironically he comes in for Liam Jones – whose wife’s due date is on Saturday!