Waltham Forest have taken steps towards lifting themselves off the bottom of the Ryman North table by bringing in a new assistant manager and seven new players this week.

The Stags, who have won just twice in their opening 12 league matches, appointed Robert Patwell as the club’s number two to replace the departing Colin Walton.

Pattwell has experience beyond his years having coached at Welwyn Garden City, Berkhamsted and most recently Cheshunt, whom he led to the Eastern Division title last season.

The new assistant boss dipped into his contacts book to bring a host of new faces to the club including experienced midfielder Rak Hudson as well as Danny Laurent, Steven Eyango Bwanga, Stephane Koffi, Patrick Med Nelo, David Lauro and Billy Parsons.

Four of those signings made their debuts on Saturday and the new blood appeared to make a difference as Forest pulled off a surprise 2-1 win over play-off challengers Aveley.

The victory represents a remarkable turnaround for the Stags, who lost to the same opposition 7-0 in the FA Cup earlier this season.

With Laurent, Hudson, Nelo and Koffi all starting, Forest were awarded a penalty in the 39th minute but top-scorer Richard Worrell saw his effort saved.

Undeterred however, L’Hereaux Menga claimed his first goal for the club minutes later, heading in Hulusi Mustafa’s cross from close range.

Tunji Oyewale doubled Forest’s advantage in the second half and while Junior Appiah reduced the gap, the Stags held on for an impressive win.

Waltham Abbey beat Brentwood Town 1-0 in the second round of the Robert Dyas League Cup on Tuesday night with Loren Maxwell scoring the decisive goal in the second half.

The win was a welcome boost after a 3-3 draw at struggling Ware in the league on Saturday.

The Abbotts led twice in the first half through James Peagram and Jack Daveney but in the end it needed an Andrew West goal nine minutes from time to rescue a point for Paul Wickenden’s men.

Redbridge are through to the second round of the London Senior Cup after beating Cockfosters 4-2 on Tuesday night.

Emiel Aiken, Danny Tenkorang and a brace from Daniel Charge ensured the Motormen’s progress.

Redbridge lost 3-2 at Cheshunt in the league on Saturday in a thrilling encounter.

The Motormen found themselves 2-0 down shortly after half-time but goals from Eljay Worrell and Charge levelled the scores before a minute later Cheshunt grabbed the winner through a Daniel Smith own goal.