THE chairman of Basildon United has said new boss Laurie Carter has “transformed” the club since coming in this summer.

The Bees have won four games in their first six Essex Senior League fixtures, including a scrappy 2-0 victory at home to Stansted on Tuesday evening.

With the side sitting fourth in the league table, Paul Smith said Carter has done wonders at the Cohart Stadium.

Smith said: “This season we have been able to concentrate on the football rather than off the pitch stuff and every bit of credit must go to Laurie and the players.

“Laurie’s style of management and football has transformed us and I think we are going to have a really good season. He is a superb manager.”

Angelo Ogunseye rounded the keeper in the 10th minute on Tuesday from a Tom Cocklin through ball before slotting home from close range.

Some fine saves from Steve Brown kept Bees in front before they doubled their lead in the 55th minute through George Cocklin after he cut in from the right wing and smashed home a 20 yards shot.

But injuries have left Basildon’s squad weakened for Saturday’s ESL clash at home to a Clapton side managed by former Bees boss Chris Woods.

Greg Akpele, Luke Sanders, Aiden O’Connell, Al Green and Leon Smith were already injured ahead of Stansted’s visit, with Tom Cocklin doubtful after he limped off during Tuesday’s game.

Tarkin Mustafa has re-signed for the Bees to help provide cover, with Smith trying to get loan deals organised for other players before facing Clapton.