Soham Town Rangers boss Robbie Mason is urging his players to look at their next four league encounters as cup finals.

The Greens are hovering precariously above the Ryman Division North drop zone after they were pegged back by Witham Town last weekend, and the player-manager has called on his players to consider their next set of league clashes as must-win games.

“The next few games are cup finals for us,” he said.

“We’ve got four massive games coming up with sides around us, and I hope we can get nine points from those games.

“We want to be the holders of our own destiny so we can stop worrying about the teams around us.”

Soham looked set to give Mason his first win as manager last weekend after Jon Kaye’s first goal for the club in the second half, but the Essex outfit struck back with 15 minutes to play meaning Mason is still without a win as boss - a disappointing run of nine matches.

“Last Saturday was another game we could have won,” Mason said.

“It was a much better performance from all the lads.

“We felt a bit hard done by for the free-kick that led to their goal and it was disappointing to concede after taking the lead but we didn’t do what we’ve done before which is roll over and allow more goals in.

“We missed opportunities and we were punished, but it’s all positive from me. We’re definitely going in the right direction.”

Mason also pulled on his boots for the first time since taking over as boss, and admitted he suffered from the odd ache and pain after his return to the pitch.

“I was a bit stiff on Sunday morning but it was good to play again,” he said.

“I felt like I solidified things up front and gave us a good aerial presence.”

Soham also welcomed Saul Williams to the club last week.

The defender, 22, joined on dual-registration from St Neots Town, and made his debut at Witham.