HEYBRIDGE Swifts manager Cliff Akurang continued his 'dream start' as manager after over-seeing a 1-0 victory over Thurrock.
Back-to-back wins have lifted them ten points clear of the relegation places in Ryman North and fighting for mid-table over the winter period.
The newly instated manager has turned fortunes round for Heybridge since coming in but he says it's all down to the players.
"It's a dream start for me and I can't ask for more from the boys. They've applied themselves in training, listened to exactly what I've asked them to do and gone out there and done the job," said Akurang.
"From the minute I walked in it's been quite positive they've always believed they were good enough they just felt that they needed a bit of guidance and direction which hopefully I'm able to give them and we're starting to see the best out of them.
"I would have taken that before the game but as the game panned out, again like last week, I thought it was what we deserved on account of the performance.
"It's really down to them and how well they keep performing over the course of the season and the way they've started has been fantastic.
"Just the mood in the dressing room and the change of atmosphere, they're really committed every single one of them."
Akurang brought in a number of new players for the game including former QPR Academy starlet Emmanuel Monthe and Marcel Henry-Francis.
It was the latter who scored the winning goal but, as happy as Akurang was for the striker to get off the mark, it was a club stalwart who Akurang singled out for commendation.
"As a striker it's always nice to get off the mark straight away and you just need that first one to go in off your shin and then after that you'll breathe confidence," said Akurang.
"Individually I thought [Michael] Fitzgibbon was fantastic in that game, he's someone that works hard for the team and doesn't always get the praise that he deserves because he's a bit of an unsung hero.
"I thought he was immense in that game, and also my first game in charge."
