“We need to turn draws into wins”

The U’s have drawn more games than any other team in the Ryman Football League Premier Division and their tally of three league victories all season is the fewest of anyone.

Their latest fixture ended in a 1-1 draw at home to East Thurrock United on Tuesday night, making it seven successive league stalemates at The Pilot Field.

Ray said: “From being 1-0 up and not seeing it through was really disappointing. At the minute draws are no good to us. We’ve got to learn to see these games through.

“That’s 10 games out of the last 13 we’ve drawn, and you’ve only got to turn three of those draws into wins and that’s six points better off.

“There’s a lot of ability in the squad; there’s no doubt about that. You don’t get to the third round of the FA Cup just on luck; you’ve got to be a good side to do that.

“I think we took our eye off the ball during the FA Cup run and I think we’ve just found it hard to get back into the rhythm of the league since.”

Ray was pleased with the performance of new signing Mikel Suarez on his home debut against East Thurrock. The striker put United ahead early in the second half before the visitors came back to earn a point.

“Saturday was hard for him,” said Ray, referring to the 4-0 defeat away to Concord Rangers. “But there was a massive improvement in his play on Tuesday.

“I don’t think he lost a header and he gives us something different. We can go long if we need to, we can be direct if we need to.”