Garry Kimble feels the next six Essex Senior League games will firmly establish his Witham Town side’s title credentials.

Town are setting the pace at the moment and are leading the way once more after their 1-0 win at their main title rivals, Southend Manor, on Saturday, but boss Kimble knows it won’t count for much if they can’t now follow it up.

Their next league outing comes at home against Barkingside, who they beat 3-1 in the League Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday night, followed by another pressure encounter with Southend Manor at Spa Road on Tuesday.

Kimble said: “We have played everyone in the league at least once now and we know that we’re top on merit.

“I’m not afraid of anyone.

“We’re lucky that we’ve had a settled squad with 18 regular players and, touch wood, no injuries, but everyone is enjoying it and working hard in training.

“They all know that it’s in their hands.

“I think the next six games will tell us whether we really are title contenders.

“We know we are at the moment, but the pressure builds now.”

See the paper this week for all the latest news and exclusive views from Spa Road.