RYMAN ONE NORTH: Great Wakering Rovers striker Jacob Cleaver hasn’t ruled out a play-off surge this season, beginning with tomorrow’s game at Phoenix Sports.

Cleaver, 22, joined Rovers at the start of the season and has been an instant success, linking up well with strikers Jay Nash and Jake Gordon.

His recent impressive form has coincided with the appointment of Gary Ansell as manager last month, and the forward believes Rovers can really push on under the new man in charge.

“We have made big strides under Gary,” said Cleaver, who lives in Westcliff. “We did go stale a little but that was nothing to do with Trenks (Dan Trenkel). We just freshened things up a bit and it has worked really well.

“This season could be about a top half finish ahead of a strong push for play-offs and promotion next term, but we think we can do it this year.

“I am really enjoying my football at the moment and I wasn’t at Cheshunt at the end of last season so I feel as though I have got a new lease of life here.”

Although 10 points off the play-offs, Cleaver has already formed a good partnership with Nash and Gordon, with 10 goals in the last six matches.

And he wants the partnership to continue to flourish in the weeks to come, although he admits the trip to Phoenix is something of an unknown quantity.

“To be honest the first time I heard of them was when I saw the fixture list this season,” he said. “But they have picked up some good result recently (winning 4-2 at Aveley on Monday) and are doing well in the league so they are obviously doing something right.

“But we will do our homework and by the time it is kick-off we will be ready.”

More than anything, Cleaver is grateful for some continuity after a turbulent season last time out that saw him spend spells at four clubs. And he is working hard to make sure he remains a fixture in the team.

“It was a difficult season,” he said. “I started the season at Concord Rangers but it wasn’t working for me so I went to Billericay and did OK. I actually scored a hat-trick in my first game against Great Wakering and the boys haven’t let me forget it! But I got an injury and was sent to Redbridge but when I came back but Billericay had added a few players and I couldn’t get into the team so I went to Cheshunt.

“But I am happy to be here and I want to be part of something successful. I have always been a hard worker. When I was at Southend United I was taught the importance of fitness and I always give it everything. And that won’t change.”