JACK Kemsley says Witham Town need a strong finish to the Bostik League division north season to show how far they have progressed as a squad this season.

Witham, who drew 1-1 with Felixstowe & Walton United last weekend, head to AFC Sudbury on Saturday looking to end a run of four games without a win and to kick-start a solid run-in to the end of the campaign.

They are sat 18th in the division north table and Kemsley feels that isn't reflective of the strides forward they have made this year under manager Mark Ashford, so knows points have to be added over the next seven games.

“There are seven games left now and Mark has asked us what we want from the end of the season," said Kemsley.

“He asked if we’re going to be happy with 18th or whether we want to push on.

“It may sound hopeful but we could still get up to tenth and although that may be tough, we want to get as high as we can.

“We’ve had a really good season and we want to show that.

“From where we were at the start of the season, with Mark having to build a team, I think we’re at a good stage now and we need to finish well.”

Kemsley was an integral part of a strong defensive display from Witham last weekend when, despite missing eight players, they withheld intense pressure from Felixstowe at the end of the game.

The 20-year-old was partnered alongside another Town youngster, Siju Odelusi, in the centre of the back line for the first time and he felt it was a match-up that worked well.

He added: “You’d take a point with how it was at the end.

“We were putting our bodies on the line to make sure it stayed at 1-1 and (goalkeeper) Luca Collins was definitely our man-of-the-match.

“He was unbelievable in there.

“We really had to put some effort in and we defended very well at the end.

“I think we can take a lot from that.

“It was tough coming under pressure like that with a new partnership in the middle of the defence.

“I felt it went OK with myself and Siju together at the back.

“We’ve got a bit of a bromance going on; it’s like we were married after 90 minutes together there and do you know what?

"We’re not getting divorced soon.

“I did my ankle earlier in the season and it’s an ongoing injury so it’s one I’m having to manage, but I’m pleased to be back involved.

“I was also suspended (after getting sent off at Maldon & Tiptree) and Pat (Ahern) and AJ (Andrew Tirivanhu) have come in and done really well, so I’ve had to wait as I’ve got myself fit.

“But with them being out, I’ve hopefully taken my chance again."