Manager Jon Abbott insists Diss Town still have plenty left to play for in this season's Thurlow Nunn League First Division North

Despite not much riding on the remainder of the season in terms of league position, Diss Town manager Jon Abbott has stressed that there is still plenty left for his team to play for.

Since Abbott’s appointment at the turn of the year, he has ended any lingering concerns over the Tangerines facing potential relegation from the Thurlow Nunn League First Division North, with 10 points now separating them from the bottom two.

Ensuring survival was the boss’ number one objective upon taking the job at Brewers Green Lane, but rather than seeing it as job done, he has challenged the squad to prove their worth ahead the 2019/20 campaign.

“If you look at the league positions maybe it could be argued there is not too much to play for, although it should be said we want to finish as high as we can,” he said.

“But, for me, the final few weeks of the season are massive for the entire squad. We have a lot of young players and this is the chance for them to get a headstart in terms of what we do recruitment-wise in the summer.

“If they play well and show plenty of commitment between now and the end of the season then that gives them a real head start on whoever we decide to bring in.

“The players we have are largely the ones we signed so we know what they can do, but they still have to prove themselves.”

Tomorrow’s derby trip to Debenham LC will end an extended run without a fixture for Abbott’s side, who have not played since losing 3-1 at Cornard United on March 2.

That is followed by a trip to King’s Lynn Town Reserves on Wednesday (7.45pm), with Needham Market Reserves their visitors a week on Saturday (3pm).

“We were disappointed to have a break but it has given us a chance to get a few of the injured lads back,” said Abbott. “Everyone will get a chance to play because we have three games in seven days.”