Diss Town manager expects further improvement from his team during final Thurlow Nunn League First Division North matches

Despite defeat against Norwich CBS last week, Diss Town boss Jon Abbott feels his side have been unlucky in recent games – and expects them to keep improving in their final three matches, writes Oscar Johnson.

Town’s 2-1 defeat at Brewers Green Lane on Friday night was their third loss in as many games, and all but condemned them to a bottom-half finish in the Thurlow Nunn League First Division North.

However, Abbott has seen positives in recent performances, and insists it is only ‘fine margins’ stopping his side from challenging the division’s top teams.

“These three games have shown us where we are. It has been a case of fine margins, as we have been in all of the games and have had a lot of good chances,” he said.

Since his appointment in January, Abbott has steered Diss clear of the bottom of the table.

Whilst his side are safe, Abbott’s men are now midway through a tough run-in, which has seen them play three of the top seven in recent weeks, with another two visiting Brewers Green Lane in their final two matches of the season.

“We want to be in that top six or seven, so these games are big ones. We have done well to get points early on so we are safe, and these last remaining games are just free hits,” Abbott said.

“We just want to play as well as possible, so that we can gain as many points as possible.”

With a disappointing season for the Tangerines coming to a close, Abbott is also looking ahead to next year, but he says players aren’t necessarily playing for their places in next season’s plans.

“We don’t want another season like this one. A club of Diss’ size and stature shouldn’t be struggling in this league. It isn’t a case of people playing for their places, because we already know what everyone can do.”

The Easter weekend sees Diss play twice, as they travel to Felixstowe & Walton United Reserves this afternoon, before hosting Lakenheath on Monday (both 3pm).

Despite both side’s final positions being all but confirmed, Abbott is confident his players will avoid complacency when they travel to bottom side Felixstowe.

“Complacency won’t be a problem. We have been in virtually every game we have played this season, so that hasn’t been an issue for us. It has been fine margins stopping us from scoring goals and getting points,” he said. “To win games we have to play at our best, we can’t afford to play at 50 or 60 per cent and expect to win games.”

* Diss’ home game against Lakenheath on Easter Monday has been named a CALLUMSDAY fixture.

It will be a fundraiser in aid of local teenager Callum Doe. Adult prices will be reduced by half and there will be a Mini Tangies pre-game match, a half-time Diss Town youth competition, plus collection buckets around the ground.