CHRIS Sutherby believes Leigh Ramblers’ perfect start to the Essex Olympian Premier League season is a result of years of hard work.

Ramblers have claimed clean sheets and a win in each of their first three games this term.

And Sutherby, who is in charge for a sixth campaign, insists a lot of work has been done behind the scenes to allow Leigh to make an impressive start.

The Ramblers boss said: “We worked really hard last year and we had Danny Scopes - who has now gone back to Concord Rangers - with us.

“We worked hard with him and delved into his experience.

“Thanks to Danny, we have managed to bring in one or two players who were at Concord last year and they are buying into what we are trying to do with the club.

“It’s a massive team effort and there has been some change in the last three or four months with Matt Southgate taking over as chairman from Paul Cannon, who did a good job.

“The change has breathed some new life into the already embedded values we had before.

“It’s taken a few years of hard work but we are reaping the benefits.”

Leigh followed up victories over Canning Town and Rayleigh Town by recording a 2-0 win over Harold Wood.

Dylan Skinner, who joined the Rams in the summer, made a crucial penalty save before 20-year-old Harry Goodwin broke the deadlock just 10 seconds after coming off the bench.

The three points were sealed when Jamie Selby-Knight thrashed home a 20 yard half-volley in the dying minutes.

And Sutherby was keen to heap praise on spot-kick hero Skinner.

“Harold Wood have some really good players and we knew it was going to be a tough game,” added Sutherby.

“They had a really strong bench whereas we had products from our youth set-up as substitutes.

“Dylan saved a penalty in the second half and that was crucial.

“They then hit the crossbar when it was still 0-0 and we did well to stay in the game.

“Harry then came on and scored with his first touch, but I would say that was more luck than a masterstroke from me.

“We didn’t have a lot of luck last season but the ball is falling on our side at the moment.

“I couldn’t have dreamt of making a better start to the season.

“We lost a lot of important players at the end of last season but we have a lot of young, talented players who are making an impact.”

>Leigh Ramblers’ women’s team will be involved in their first ever FA Cup tie, with Bowers & Pitsea Ladies, this weekend.