Tough test for Stamford to maintain unbeaten start

Daniels boss Graham Drury has hailed the battling qualities of his table-topping side as they look to continue their perfect start to the league season on Saturday.

Stamford are one of only two teams with a 100 per cent start record after three matches of the new Evo-Stik League Division One East campaign.

They followed up earlier victories over Stocksbridge and Loughborough Dynamo with an excellent 2-1 away success at league newcomers Pontefract Collieries on Bank Holiday Monday.

Despite falling behind six minutes before half-time, goals from Rob Morgan and Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson secured a third successive league win for the Daniels.

Drury said: "We have had two good away wins and kept a clean sheet at home so everything is rosy in the garden, but we know that can soon change.

"We are nowhere near our best yet and have had key players missing so you're always going to be happy about taking nine points from three games.

"We showed real character in the last two away games which have been really tough tests. We have dug in and that's something we've got to do this year when we go to difficult places.

"We are a different animal because we are prepared to scrap out a result which was very similar to what Basford did last season.

"We went for the win on Monday after equalising. I want us to be prepared to win games 4-3 this year rather than relying on clean sheets and winning by an only goal.

"I want us to be more expansive and I've got full faith in the boys to deal with whatever is asked of them.

"They have been prepared to put their bodies on the line and give that extra work-rate which I've been really chuffed about."

Stamford host Cleethorpes on Saturday looking to ensure one of the pre-season title favourites' slow start to the season continues.

While the Daniels have maximum points on the board, Cleethorpes have taken just one point from their three games after an impressive summer recruitment drive which saw the acquisitions of ex-Grimsby Town duo Craig Disley and Scott Vernon.

Drury commented: "Cleethorpes haven't had the best of starts, but I still feel anybody who finishes above them will be in the play-offs.

"It's a chance for us to move 11 points clear of them after just four games and that's something I could only have dreamt about.

"It will take some making up even at this stage of the season because it was proved by what happened last year. It puts you in a position where you can't afford to slip up.

"They would have been in the play-offs but for the points deduction last season and they will be up there again.

"It will be really tough game because they are like a wounded animal at the moment and that's something we have to be wary of.

"Winning games is a good habit to have and hopefully we can carry on doing that, but we will have to be at our best.

"We will be ready for it and I'll make sure the boys are chomping at the bit."

Liam Adams returns to the Stamford squad on Saturday while Stan Mugisha and Cleveland Taylor are expected to be in contention for Tuesday's FA Cup replay at Peterborough Sports.

Midfielder Mike Armstrong has joined Long Eaton on a short-term loan to gain some match fitness after missing pre-season.