DISS Town have a key Ridgeons Division One game away at fellow promotion rivals Ipswich Wanderers on Saturday (ko 3pm).

Diss boss Robert Taylor has attributed his side's solid season to a superb team ethic, writes Joseph Malby.

The Tangerines currently sit in third position in the table and Taylor believes the success is down to the players' hunger and spirit.

He said: 'The success this season is down to us having a group of players that want to play football.

'They don't get paid much but they just want to play on a Saturday afternoon and get better as a footballer. We've got a good bunch of lads who get on well with each other. We have a good team spirit and don't have any big-time Charlies at the club.'

Taylor said consistency must be the key if Diss are going to clinch promotion: 'We have a good chance of promotion; we have just got to keep improving all the time.

'I firmly believe we can beat any side in Division One on our day. It's just getting that consistency that you don't get with some young players, but we are learning all the time and hopefully we will continue winning our games and finish in that top three.'

The former King's Lynn and Dereham Town manager believes Diss would be well equipped to compete in the Ridgeons Premier.

'I think we could handle it in the Prem, I have been there before with Dereham. I can see similarities between that Dereham side and my current team at Diss.

'That Dereham squad found success having been together for three years, and it is the same with us. It is our third year together and I think we would handle ourselves well,' Taylor said.

'Obviously, we will have to add two or three more experienced players to our ranks. But, you get more time and space on the ball in the Premier which would suit us.'

Taylor also claims that a lack of squad depth has proved a difficult obstacle to overcome in his quest for promotion:

'All the players are good players, as a team we have had ups and downs with injuries and suspensions which has highlighted some frailties within our squad but that is the main problem with not having a very big squad. This has has let us down on a few occasions this season.'

One player Taylor singled out for praise is young Diss striker Jordan Rocastle:

'He's only a young lad, playing his first full year at this level. He has recovered well from a knee problem and is now banging in the goals.

'Although on the whole it's all been about the team effort, the team ethic this season has been superb.'

Diss Town 2, Long Melford 0

DISS dominated the play against Long Melford on Saturday, but had to wait until late in the game to score their two goals, writes Tony Collins.

Manager Rob Taylor introduced new signing Jason Cole who joined the club from Fakenham.

Paul Wood made two fine first-half saves to keep out shots from the busy Luke Catchpole.

Early in the second half Catchpole was brought down but Wood made a good save to keep out the penalty kick from George Watts-Sturrock.

The best chance that Long Melford created ended with Stuart Lockwood shooting straight at Matty Webster.

Danny Partridge forced Wood into a fine save. Later on sub Andy Moody had a header tipped over by Wood and from the resulting corner Jon Abbott hit his shot against the bar. With five minutes to play Luke Catchpole was brought down for a penalty, scored by Sam Bryant.

Two minutes later Diss broke and Bryant played the ball across for Partridge, he stood on the ball as he turned but was able to compose himself and shoot in to make it 2-0.

n Diss Reserves did not have a game last Saturday, but they will be at home to Debenham Leisure Centre Reserves this Saturday (3pm) and away at Woodbridge Reserves on Wednesday (7.45pm).

Diss A will be presented with their team of the month match ball ahead of their game with Rampant Horse at home on Saturday (2pm).

Diss U18's league match at Woodbridge U18s was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. They play at home to Walsham-le-Willows U18s tonight (7.45pm).