Enfield Town boss Steve Newing says his side are just where he expected them to be at this stage of the season but insists he will not be getting carried away as he looks to challenge for promotion.

With 13 games gone, Town find themselves sixth in Ryman Division One North, having picked up six wins and lost just twice.

Before the campaign started, Newing included his squad amongst a group of nine teams who he believed would be chasing promotion this year.

And with the season now well established, the manager expressed his delight that his side were matching his early expectations, but warned there could still be some surprises to come.

Saturday saw Enfield claim a 1-0 victory at Heybridge Swifts, with Leon Osei getting the goal, while other sides around them have now closed the gap after Newing’s side enjoyed a two-week break from league action.

The manager said: “Everyone closed in. The teams above us lost so we closed up. The results were good really for us on Saturday.

“The league is gradually beginning to take shape. I said at the beginning of the season Redbridge would be the surprise team and they could still be.”

He continued: “Grays, Needham Market, Leiston, Brentwood, Harlow and ourselves are up there - six of the nine that I expected.

“Maldon & Tiptree and Sudbury have had very slow starts in the league. I think it goes to show you need consistency in this league.”

Three points on Saturday saw Town stretch their unbeaten run to six league matches with Newing believing his side deserved the victory.

“It is always a tough game at Heybridge. They are on a little bit of a funny run as they didn’t lose their early games. I was hoping we would go there and put in a performance,” explained the boss.

“We should have won the game by two or three and not because we missed loads of chances. Leon put us 1-0 up and thereafter we hit the woodwork twice.”

He added: “We were definitely good value for our win. Three points is three points.”

With eight players unavailable for selection, Town’s current fine form is even more pleasing for Newing although he admits it could be even better.

“It is four wins and two draws in the last six league games and when you look at the two draws, we should have won,” he explained.

“We are doing what I expected but I am not getting carried away – as long as we find some consistency which we seem to be doing.”

He continued: “It is pleasing because when you look at it we have had away trips to Brentwood Town, Great Wakering and Heybridge.

“On the road, we have picked up seven points out of nine and we have done the same at home.”

Town’s fine form is of no surprise to the manager though as he believes his squad are more than capable of mounting a promotion push.

Newing has made his side hard to beat this season with their two defeats a statistic matched by just three other teams in the division.

That record means they have not lost in six games – something the manager believes will be crucial in their push to climb the table.

He said: “It has been good. We are showing some consistency. I think there is a belief in the squad that we have got a chance this year.”

He added: “Nothing surprises me with them. We have got team spirit in abundance and we are capable of beating any team in this league on our day.”

Bryan Hammett has re-signed for the club and was included in the squad that travelled to Heybridge at the weekend.

Newing said: “Bryan is an experienced lad. He played for us a lot last year.

“He is 37 so he is very experienced. He would have signed in pre-season but couldn’t because of work commitments.”

Town will look to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches when they entertain struggling Ware on Saturday.

The Blues have claimed just one victory in the league have found the net on only ten occasions but Newing insists his side will not be taking the challenge lightly.

He said: “If you have a look at their results, they have either been draws or they have lost by the odd goal.

“I am expecting us to win because I should expect us to win but unless you show the right commitment levels, you will come a cropper.”