EDDIE Dsane turned down offers from higher-placed clubs to join Maldon and Tiptree - and potentially get a shot of returning to league football with Colchester United.

The 21-year-old forward joined the Jammers last month and is already making a positive impression for the Bostik League division north outfit.

Dsane, who scored a hat-trick against Romford on his home debut earlier this month, played his academy football at Crystal Palace and Preston North End before moving onto Fleetwood Town, in 2015.

But after failing to secure first-team opportunities at Highbury, the attacker joined League of Ireland side, Longford Town.

After spells at Finn Harps and Whyteleafe he is now looking to make an impression at Maldon - and possibly follow in the footsteps of the likes of Ryan Gondoh and Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe in catching the U's eye.

Maldon boss Wayne Brown said: “Eddie turned down offers from clubs in higher divisions to play for us at Maldon.

“He did that because he still feels he can offer something to get back into the league.

“He’s hungry and driven to do well and that’s only going to benefit Maldon.

“He’s hit the ground running and scored three times recently against Romford.

“By his own admission, I think he’d say he should have had more goals in recent games but he’s done well.

“Eddie’s aim is to go and play league football and he’s seen the pathway that other players like Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe, Ryan Gondoh and Femi Akinwande have followed, at Colchester.

“He’s backed himself to come to Maldon and do well like others we have here and we offer something quite unique."

Brown is hoping that the likes of Dsane can make an impression alongside Colchester youngsters, as part of Maldon's ongoing link-up with the League Two club.

“The project is to number one get Maldon and Tiptree promoted but number two, to give some experience to younger lads at Colchester United when that opportunity arises.

“Ollie Kensdale is a prime example of that – he benefited from playing games with us at Maldon and that’s been good for him, going into the first-team environment at Col U."

Several U's academy players featured for Maldon in their Tolleshunt D'Arcy Cup win over Heybridge Swifts last night, after signing for the Jammers on work experience loans.

Callum Coulter, Callum Anderson, Dean Ager, Billy Cracknell, Sam Cornish, Jake Hutchinson and Noah Chilvers all got minutes in the 2-1 win.

Brown added: “We brought them across for the game and it’s a great opportunity for them.

“They’re registered to play in these games and get experience that they might not otherwise get."