Second-placed Diss Town head to Needham Market Reserves in the Thurlow Nunn League First Division North

Manager Jon Abbott has admitted his Diss Town side will need to be at their best if they are to continue their positive start to the Thurlow Nunn League First Division North season away at Needham Market Reserves tomorrow (3pm).

Despite losing 3-0 at rivals Framlingham Town in the League Challenge Cup on Tuesday evening, the Tangerines head to Needham on the back of six straight league wins – form that places them second, two points adrift of leaders Downham Town with a couple of games in hand.

However, Needham Market’s predominantly youthful second string – a team that has struggled in recent seasons – have also been in positive form, winning five of their eight games under former pro Kevin Horlock to sit seventh in the table.

Abbott said: “We know what to expect from Needham, they are going to be a young and athletic side that like to play football.

“They have started the season really well and the 3G pitch over there is going to suit them.

“But a lot of our boys have played on 3G pitches before and we played a couple of friendlies on it during the summer, so there are no concerns with that.

“We are going to need to be at our best to win the game but we are in good form and confidence is high.”

Abbott has a fully fit squad to select from for the trip to Bloomfields, including goalkeeper George MacRae, who has returned to Diss from Premier Division outfit Wroxham.