Stuart Wardley ranks Saffron Walden’s 2-1 Thurlow Nunn Premier Division win at second-placed Stanway Rovers as their ‘best result of the season’ so far.

The Bloods have been in good form lately and with the Rovers win, secured with goals from Charlie Portway and James Crane, they have registered 10 points from their last four league games.

The win also puts further daylight – eight points – between Walden and the drop zone so the player-manager was understandably chuffed with his side’s weekend work.

Wardley told the Reporter: “It’s always a tough game going to Stanway and especially this season with them doing so well.

“They’re very direct and powerful but the boys dealt with them well and posed them many problems which was excellent.

“We had a really good win at Haverhill Rovers on Boxing Day and also did well in the FA Vase but for me this victory was as good as it has got for us this season.

“I would say we’ve performed better in other games but in terms of a result this tops the lot.”

Wardley also had high praise for midfielder Crane, who has netted four times in his last 10 games.

He continued: “James had a one-match ban but he’s come back in and I think this is his best spell in the three or so years he’s been with us.

“He’s got his head down, he’s working hard and he’s listening.

“He’s really found his feet now and he’s becoming the player we all thought he would become.”