Williams credits Shorey and Little for Wingate’s recent resurgence

The full-back, who is approaching 250 appearances for the club, discussed the win at Burgess Hill Town and much more

Defender Ola Williams says Wingate & Finchley’s change in fortune stems from a growing belief, which comes from wanting to seize full advantage of the opportunity that’s presented itself with the recent arrival of manager Nicky Shorey and assistant Glen Little.

Williams, usually operating down either flank as a full back, was utilised as a centre-half at Burgess Hill Town and achieved a clean sheet, after Reece Beckles-Richards’ goal in the 50th minute recorded Shorey’s second-successive 1-0 win.

The table looks much better reading following victories over Leatherhead and the Hillians, with the Summers Lane men sitting in 12th position and another three points could take them up to as high as sixth - depending on other results going their way.

And for a player who accomplished his 243rd appearance for Wingate in midweek, he alluded to the team – and individual morale – proving an important factor.

“I think the players feel confident now,” said Williams. “The new manager has come in, it’s a fresh start for everybody to impress, showcase their talent and ability. We all feel we can get the ball down and play our game.

“The gaffer and Glen have been great with everyone since they’ve come in. They’ve spoken to players individually, got to know the players early doors, told us what they want from us and it’s just up to us to show them what we can do on the pitch.”

Steel and guile just evaded a clinical edge in front of goal with numerous chances going amiss in a rampant first-half for the Blues at Burgess Hill, yet Williams doesn’t want that to take away any edge from the performance having seen his strikers get into the right areas.

As touched upon, Williams was alongside Marc Weatherstone – who wore the captain’s armband - on Tuesday evening and the versatile defender couldn’t praise ‘Weathers’ enough.

The centre back made his return to the Maurice Rebak Stadium this summer after he was a team-mate of Williams when they won the famous Blues treble in the 2010/2011 season.

“I mean the positive thing is that we are creating a lot more chances now, which we weren’t before,” Williams continued.

“I feel scoring goals will come, players are getting in the right areas now. We still have a lot and a long way to go - I’m confident the goals will start pouring in.

“I started off as a right-back at Boreham Wood, played as a left or right winger at various teams – then Harrow Borough and Hampton & Richmond, I played as a central midfielder.

“I’ve always been confident in playing anywhere on the pitch to be honest; that comes with experience in this game and learning from my older players who I looked up to during my young early career.

“I love playing with ‘Weathers’ and for me he’s been one of the best defenders in the league for a while.

“He’s a proper defender and he’s confident playing from the back. It’s good to have my treble winning ‘brother’ back at the club along with Ahmet (Rifat) - the last men standing!”

The Blues are back on the road again on Saturday when they head to Dorking Wanderers for a 3pm kick-off, as they attempt to stretch their winning run to three games for the first time this season.

And ‘Prince’, who has a wealth of knowledge in the Bostik, has urged his team-mates to maintain the winning feeling that’s resurgent within the camp.

“I just feel we need to keep playing with confidence; just making sure we’re getting into the right areas to create chances and score goals,” Williams finished.

“In this league anybody can beat anyone - we’ve just got to work hard and play our game.”