Manager Joe Sims feels the best is yet to come from his Holbeach United side as they enter a crucial spell of Thurlow Nunn League fixtures.

The Tigers are currently in 11th place in the Division One North table as they approach the midway mark of the league campaign.

They head to fourth-placed Wivenhoe Town on Saturday before hosting another play-off contender in Clacton Town in their next match at Carter's Park on November 28.

Holbeach have won seven and lost seven of their 17 league games so far this term with Sims seeking a run of consistency to make a mark on a tightly-contested division.

He said: "I think we're still to hit our best form, but when it does click, we'll do well.

"We've made quite a lot of signings this season but we're starting to get more settled and we've got a lot more experience in the side now.

"We've just got to knuckle down, let everyone get to know each other, and I'm sure it will click.

"The next two games will both be tough ones but it's the sides down the bottom of the table that we've struggled against this season.

"I know it's not complacency with our lads but we have thrown some games away because I know we can match anyone in this league if we put our minds to it."

The Tigers went down to a frustrating 2-1 away defeat at 14th-placed Newmarket Town Reserves despite a promising performance on Saturday.

They fell behind in the first half after failing to clear a corner and Joe Parr's effort looped up and went over the covering Pat Kacirek on the goalline.

Kacirek could have brought the Tigers level but was denied in a one-on-one while Alhagi Jammeh was thwarted by a speculative save from the home goalkeeper.

The Jockeys doubled their advantage after the break when Jordan Goult appeared to be fouled as he shepherded the ball out of play and Harrison Matthews took advantage to score.

Holbeach reduced the arrears with 12 minutes remaining as Abdul-Hamid Chouchane converted at the back post, however, the equaliser proved elusive despite Jordan Oldham firing just over from distance after latching onto headed clearance from the home goalkeeper.

Boss Sims is now in sole charge of the Tigers with previous joint manager Callum Lawe having left to pursue a new coaching opportunity in the United Aram Emirates.

Sims said: "I loved working with Callum. He's a first-class coach and guy but it can sometimes be easier as a sole manager.

"I mean that respectfully in the sense that there always has to be a bit of give and take when you've got two managers doing the same role.

"I think it's my opportunity to put my full identity into how I want the side to play and that is the positive of it, but obviously for the club in general, Callum is a big loss because he puts his heart and soul into it."

Freddie Bell has stepped into the role as assistant manager as the first team continues to keep close ties with the Academy.

Sims added: "We very much want to keep the Academy players involved in our squad because there are some good players coming through.

"We do need to find the right balance though because you get more out of them when there is some experience around them and that's the direction which I'm going in.

"They thrive when they've got players around them who have been around the block a little bit more."

The Tigers are hosting a live R&B night in the Sports and Social Club on Saturday, November 28..

The evening features the R&B Orchestra and Simon Junior with Sims hoping the event will help raise the profile of the club.

He said: "It should be a really good night because Simon fills out arenas all across the country.

"We don't do too many events as a football club so we just want the community to come and support it because these events can make a huge difference to us.

"We want to improve the matchday experience at Holbeach but everything costs money so ultimately we want people to come along and support our events, have a good night and also help us financially."

Limited tickets are still available and cost £13 each with the doors opening at 7.30pm for an 8pm start.