STEVE Butterworth believes Great Wakering Rovers’ flying start to the season shows they have vastly improved thanks to their transfer business during the summer.

Wakering have started the campaign with back-to-back wins after following up their opening day success at Felixstowe & Walton United with a 2-0 victory over Tilbury.

And Butterworth is overjoyed with how his players have started the new term.

The player-manager said: “We never really got going last season and we didn’t know what team would turn up.

“We are now a lot better and have strength in depth, which is shown by three substitutes coming on in each game and making an impact.

“I’m really pleased with the start we have made to the season.

“When the fixtures came out, we were handed a really difficult start.

“We started with the longest trip we will have all season at Felixstowe & Walton United and then faced a really physical side in Tilbury.

“But we have come out with maximum points and we are in a far better place now than we were last term.”

Goals from Jack Stevenson and Jake Gordon ensured Wakering would overcome Marc Harrison’s Tilbury at Burroughs Park.

And, as a result, Wakering moved to the top of the standings.

Butterworth added: “I don’t think Wakering have ever been top of the league at this level, so it is pleasing.

“It feels nice but it means nothing after two games.

“However, the players are slowly realising that we are a very good side.”

And Butterworth was pleased with Wakering’s display.

“It was exactly what I expected because Tilbury were big and strong,” admitted Butterworth.

“I told the players that if they matched them physically, in terms of quality and effort, we would create chances.

“We took those chances and that allowed us to win the game.

“We rode our luck at times, particularly in the first half when they put a lot of balls into the penalty area, but we showed that we will be hard to beat this season.

“It’s important that we build on this good start.”