Little did Steff Mallardo quite realise what he was getting into when he was asked to take charge of Brantham Athletic while boss Pip Boyland was away on a delayed family holiday.

Former player Mallardo stepped up to lead the new look Imps side in the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division season opener at Dereham Town on Saturday, which ended in relatively straightforward 2-0 defeat.

He was still holding the reins on Tuesday night for Brantham's eagerly anticipated first home game of the league season at home to Woodbridge Town, which saw two of his players end up in accident and emergency and the game abandoned, at a time still to be determined by the Thurlow Nunn League.

Speaking after the match, which was 2-0 to the Peckers after about 75 minutes when it was correctly called off (full story here) Mallardo admitted he would be quite happy to hand back to regular manager Boyland.

"It has been an interesting couple of games to step in for," admitted Mallardo. "We have a new, young squad, which we have been working with. They are holding their own and while there may be a couple of things to work on things are looking good moving forward, especially as they are willing to learn."

Rocked by the loss of midfielder Aider Phair just before the game to a disclosed shoulder, the Imps were two down before they really started to impose themselves, and after having a goal disallowed against Woodbridge, but looked much better in the second half before the game was called off.

Mallardo said: "In the first ten to 15 minutes when the goals against us came they caught us out and punched us hard. Then slowly as the game developed we came back into it. We had a goal chalked off but this is where we work with the players and learn.

"As we get together more as a group we will get better."

As interesting as the experience has been Mallardo will be happy to hand over to the usual management team today as they prepare for an FA Cup extra preliminary round trip to Buckhurst on Saturday afternoon.

"I don't know how I have done this, so will be happy when Pip is back for Saturday," said Mallardo. "I will certainly sleep better.

"I would love to be out there myself. It was good to work with these youngsters, and the more experienced guys.

"I have learnt a lot and have come away with a totally different perspective on coaching and have total respect for coaches, it is a cracking job making sure everything is organised and prepared."

Mallardo has been helped by Duncan Lawson and skipper James Lee.

He added: "James is our captain because he does everything right, preparing for games and on the pitch, so the the youngsters look up to him.

"He gives everything, he is is 100 per cent, wears his heart on his sleeves and will do anything for this club, the players, and the management."

Brantham's next home game at the Leisure Centre comes on Saturday, August 19 when they entertain Newmarket Town.