Erkan Okay says the belief is growing in his Soham Town Rangers side after a late Joe Carden goal earned them a 1-0 win at Hertford Town on Saturday.

Ely Standard: Joe Carden wheels away after netting Soham's late winner at Hertford. Photo: Andy BurfordJoe Carden wheels away after netting Soham's late winner at Hertford. Photo: Andy Burford (Image: Archant)

The midfielder slotted home with five minutes to go to hand the Greens their second win in three matches and fire them up to 13th in the Bostik North Division.

Assistant manager Okay said: “It was a fantastic win away from home. We worked on a few things in training on Thursday and the lads took it into the game and defended brilliantly which allowed us to go forward and play in good areas.

“There were some fantastic performances and Joe Carden was an outlet for us and deserved his goal.”

Ely Standard: Ashley Bankole. Photo: Andy BurfordAshley Bankole. Photo: Andy Burford (Image: Archant)

Erkan also praised the Greens for rising above a heated half-time scuffle in the tunnel, where it’s believed a Soham player was headbutted.

“There was an incident at half time and Rob and I reminded the players that the only way to get through it was by getting a result, which we did,” he said.

“It’s been a great week and the belief in the squad is growing and they are a great bunch of lads willing to learn and fight for each other.”

Ely Standard: Joe Carden in action for Soham. Photo: Andy BurfordJoe Carden in action for Soham. Photo: Andy Burford (Image: Archant)

The Greens have also been handed a boost by striker Craig Gillies, who has agreed to stay at Julius Martin Lane until January.

The King’s Lynn Town star arrived in East Cambridgeshire in October on a one-month loan, but has impressed manager Robbie Mason with two goals in five appearances, including a debut goal against Aveley.

Soham were due to be in Cambridgeshire Invitation Cup action tonight but were handed a bye into the semi-finals after opponents Wisbech Town withdrew. The Fenmen have sacrificed a place in the last four due to unavailability, so Soham will instead turn their attentions towards Saturday’s home clash with Maldon & Tiptree (3pm).

Ely Standard: Gary Cohen challenges Hertford goalkeeper Charlie Mann. Photo: Andy BurfordGary Cohen challenges Hertford goalkeeper Charlie Mann. Photo: Andy Burford (Image: Archant)

The Essex outfit are currently ninth in the standings, but Soham can leap-frog them with a win.

Soham then host Brentwood Town the following Tuesday (21, 7.45pm).