Seven points from the last four games of 2007 left the manager disappointed, and Saturday's draw at Wivenhoe saw AFC lose top spot in Ryman League division one north.

"We have to be more consistent, and the thing we need to find as a management team is the right formula to get the best out of our players," he said.

"I think that is the missing ingredient. We need to be a consistently performing side, and still maintain the ability to raise our game, and to keep the ball better."

Morsley's team, like previous AFC teams, has always had the ability to lift itself for the big games, as last season's Trophy run and continuing success in the Lesague Cup have shown.

"The league is still very open and interesting, and it is there for the taking. It is vital we stay in the top three and time our run-in to the end of the season."

Morsley is still confident that AFC can achieve promotion. "I believe we have the ability and a squad of players who are capable of winning the league.

"I look at other teams in the league, like Wivenhoe and Aveley, and I don't feel they have anyone who would get into our team," he said.

He is aware of the pressure on his players. "It's tough at the top, and it's tough when you are AFC. People want to beat us.

"Possibly we need to get the players relaxed a little more. The pressure is there every week, but perhaps we would be more consistent if we were more relaxed."

Morsley was not happy with the points haul over Christmas, seven out of 12. Victory over Maldon was followed by defeat at Aveley, and a draw at Wivenhoe followed the highly entertaining Boxing Day derby win over Bury Town.

"We should have had at least one more," he said. "We should have beaten Wivenhoe and drawn with Bury, so it was not as productive as I would have liked.

"We are reliant on certain individuals turning in good performances, and that didn't happen at Aveley or Wivenhoe. We should have done better in both games.

"But let's not forget that only a few days earlier Maldon Town, the form team, came here and were turned over."

Wivenhoe, beaten 6-0 at King's Marsh in August, have completely changed their team since Richard Carter took over as manager.

"If they had had that team out from the start of the season, they would be in the play-off spots," said Morsley.

"We drew a game we should have won, and we certainly had enough chances. I was very disappointed with us not winning.

"But you get blips from time to time. We have four more points than at this stage last season, so I'm not downhearted with the first half of our season."

Chris Bacon suffered ankle ligament damage early in the Bury match and is likely to be out for a month. He was due to see physio Tony Brightwell on Thursday night to assess the damage.

"It's a big blow, but Simon Head came on and did well," said Morsley. "He is doing a decent job for us, but I would like to see him get a few more goals."

Sheridan Driver, out for a month with hamstring problems, played the second half at Wivenhoe and suffered no reaction.

Matty Clements, a constant threat to Bury on Boxing Day, missed the Wivenhoe game through illness, but is back in the squad to visit Arlesey on Saturday.

"We were lucky to get a draw at home against them in September," said Morsley. "It will be tough, but I want a positive performance and a positive reaction to last week."

There is a coach going to Arlesey, leaving King's Marsh at 11.45am. To book a seat call Tommy Crofton on 01787 372137 before 9pm.