A PURGE of the playing squad was vital for the derby win over Leyton, claimed Waltham Forest boss Olawale Ojalabi.

Just two players are left of the squad from before he arrived at Cricklefields during the new year.

“The mentality is good now. Before it was not good enough, it wasn’t right.

“The players told me they wanted out. I was glad to see them go,” Ojalabi told Guardian Series Sport.

“I’ve strengthened the team and they all know why they are here.

“The boys need to be raring to pull up their socks and they did that, which is great.”

Last weekend’s 1-0 home win over the Lilywhites lifted Forest off the bottom in Ryman One North.

Next up is fellow strugglers Ilford this weekend at Cricklefields.

“I think we have to keep winning and not drop points and that will be hard. But I think it’s do-able (avoiding relegation).”

Meanwhile, Leyton are at a low ebb but the only way now is up, insists boss Gordon Boateng after the derby defeat.

Leyton now lie bottom of the division.

Boateng rued poor finishing by his Lea Bridge Road side.

“It was a typical derby game, we were on top and had plenty of chances, but we failed to take them.

“Credit to Waltham Forest, they took their chances. Sometimes you just do not get the rub of the green.

“We are at the lowest point,” he admitted.

“But I know the boys coming in now and they know me.

“I’m a realist and know the task is big, but we have enough games to get to safety. I believe in the players.”

Next up for Leyton is Brentwood Town at Lea Bridge Road on Saturday.

Elsewhere, ninth place Waltham Abbey drew 1-1 with Heybridge Swifts.

Paul Wickenden’s side host mid-table Enfield Town at Capershotts this weekend.