ADAM Flint is delighted to have Luke Mallett back on board at Witham Town as his resurgent side go looking for a third consecutive Bostik League division north win this weekend.

Mallett, who made a big impact at the Village Glass Stadium last season, has returned on an initial one-month loan deal from premier division side Brightlingsea Regent and Flint is hoping that it can be extended for a player who he feels can have a big impact again.

The youngster has already done that as he stepped off the bench and won the second of two penalties - both converted by Elliot Ronto - that saw Witham beat division north leaders Dereham Town 2-0 on Tuesday.

That win saw a freshly-confident Witham build on the 1-0 win they secured against another top-five side - AFC Hornchurch - last weekend and they will head to Norwich United on Saturday and Hertford Town on Tuesday with a renewed spring in their step after ending their 12-game winless run.

While Mallett has come in from Brightlingsea, Witham have seen Sam Ashford move in the opposite direction this week and while Flint was disappointed to see the midfielder depart after an impressive start to the season, he was buoyed by the arrival back of his loan signing.

Flint said: “I was a bit disappointed to lose Sam as I knew he was talking to Brightlingsea but I thought he’d stay as he wanted to be playing games.

“But he texted me to say he was heading off and good luck to him.

“He did well for us but we have now won two games without him and I feel we have a really good replacement in Luke.

“Brightlingsea have offered him to us on a month’s loan, but I’m hoping it will be longer.

“He said he wanted to come back because he enjoyed his football here last year and it was here that he played his best.

“I think you saw that when he came on against Dereham as he looked sharp when he came on.

“I’m pleased to have him back.

“He’s a young boy but he is such a good character and really good to have around the place.

“I think he has the fitness to start.”

With Mallett pressing for a starting berth, Flint may have some selection headaches for the trip to Norwich on Saturday as he said he would have Tyler Corlett back from three-game suspension and also Ryan Imbert back from a hamstring problem.

Shamido Pedulu is also on the way back from a knee injury but Flint explained that the game at Norwich United may come too soon for him and he’ll be more likely to be available for the trip to Hertford Town in midweek.