Diss Town looking to convert more chances ahead of games against AFC Sudbury Reserves and Needham Market Under-23s

Joint boss Mark Sutcliffe is eager for Diss Town to rid themselves of their early-season habit of conceding the first goal in matches.

The Tangerines have fallen behind in all three of their Thurlow Nunn League First Division North fixtures this term, although they have shown decent powers of recovery to collect four points.

But while that fighting spirit is something that pleases Sutcliffe, he would much rather see his team make the most of the chances they create and gain control of games.

“Overall it’s been quite positive,” said Sutcliffe, who saw his side battle back to claim a 1-1 draw from last weekend’s home encounter with Holland FC.

“The Framlingham game (6-1 defeat) was obviously disappointing but even in that one we had two or three good chances before they scored.

“Conceding the first goal has been a real test of character and it is nice to know the boys have got a reaction in them, but it’s very important we start to make the most of the chances.

“We’re creating a lot of chances at the moment and while that’s clearly a good thing, we have to score more goals.

“If we start doing that it will ease the pressure on the defence as well – and hopefully we can kick on from there.”

Tonight Diss will welcome AFC Sudbury Reserves to Brewers Green Lane, which is followed on Tuesday by a trip to take on Needham Market’s Under-23s (both 7.45pm).

Both of those teams will be made up predominantly of young players that look to get the ball down, yet Sutcliffe is confident his team will be able to deal with the challenge.

“We’ll prepare the same way we do for every game,” he added.

“We won’t treat these games any differently but we know we’ll be up against good, young footballers that will be fit.

“Our lads are a little bit older but they’re still young so I’m confident we can match all of that and pick up a couple of positive results.”