Waltham Abbey boss Martin Hayes believes he is getting his message across to his players but admits sometimes it’s “like I’m talking Chinese” as he seeks to impart his wisdom on the Abbotts.

A 2-1 win at Haringey Borough in Isthmian Division One North on Tuesday of last week – his first competitive victory since succeeding Paul Wickenden over the summer – was a good starting point and came after a credible goalless draw at home to Thamesmead Town three days earlier.

Without a game at the weekend as they are out of the FA Cup, the Abbotts returned to action on Tuesday evening beating high-flying AFC Hornchurch 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time of the Alan Turvey Trophy at Capershotts to continue their improved recent run.

Just over two months into the job though, the former Arsenal, Celtic and Swansea City forward believes he is transmitting his message to his young squad.

“At certain times they look like they are listening,” said Hayes. “But at other times it’s like I’m talking Chinese. It’s just about trying to educate these young players. Not conceding is a start, as is sticking to what we say. It’s starting to look better in the last few games.”

The 49-year-old feels his side could have more than six points on the board too, had it not been for a spate of late goals.

He said: “I think we’ve been on one of those little runs you go on. You had three games on the trot where we conceded late. We should’ve won one of them and drawn the others but came away with nothing. There were also two goals scored by players which, frankly, they shouldn’t be scoring at this level – they were clearly too good!

“It is hard to take and I felt for the lads because we deserved more out of those games. When you have been on that kind of run it is important to get a win as soon as possible and it was nice to get that by playing well against Haringey,” he added.

Sat 19th in the league standings ahead of Saturday’s trip to Dereham Town, Hayes sees no reason why the Abbotts cannot look further up the table but is adamant the pre-season target of bettering last season’s finish of 17th is still the aim.

He said: “It’s been a learning curve to be honest. I knew we were never going to where we needed to be from the start because so many of the players came in this summer.

“We have made some naive mistakes and been punished but performances have been OK, if not results.

“In early August, Brightlingsea only narrowly beat us. We should have drawn against Aveley too. When you look at those games we can take heart and we can look at a mid-table position.