Ilford manager Colin walton reacts after Samuel Sunday is sent off

Walton’s side have failed to pick up a win in the league so far and, after a disappointing midweek performance in their 4-2 loss at then bottom Great Wakering Rovers, the former Clapton boss feels the season has to start now.

“The opening two games were tough against Grays and Enfield Town who are expected to be up the top come the end of the season,” said Walton.

“But the loss on Tuesday was a major disappointment and a game we really needed to be winning after their poor start to the season as well.

“Going down to 10 men just before the break was a major blow to our chances and with two quick-fire second half goals there was no real chance of us getting back into the game. In the end Wakering deserved the three points.”

Samuel Sunday saw red in the Burroughs Park encounter two minutes before half-time and his indiscipline meant it was his last action in an Ilford shirt with Walton releasing him after the game.

But now the Cricklefields-based outfit must up their performance levels as they host sixth-placed Heybridge Swifts on Saturday, before making the trip to Ware on Tuesday night, with the Foxes boss keen to get his first win on the board.

“These next two games are going to be very important and although I feel we are in a false position at the bottom of the league.

“We must start picking up some points, otherwise we are going to find ourselves in a difficult situation,” said Walton.

“Heybridge have had a very good start and they come off the back of a 5-1 win over a strong AFC Sudbury side and will be keen to keep their run going.

“But it’ll be up to us to show our true form which, when we produce it, makes us a difficult side to play against.”

Tuesday’s game represents the Foxes best opportunity of picking up three points with Ware having only managed one win to date and Walton admits it is these types of games they need to be winning.

“It’ll be another tough task in midweek, but we need to start producing the goods to rise back up the table,” said the Ilford boss.

Walton should be able to call upon club captain Anton Trice who missed the Great Wakering game through injury, as well as striker Josh Coulson.