JOHN Danby is confident Chester FC will soon begin to pick the points up as they look turn around a disappointing start to life in the Skrill Premier.

The promoted Blues have been handed a tricky start to the campaign but have been punished for conceding sloppy goals at critical times in their opening three games.

Experienced goalkeeper Danby has highlighted the need for his side to tighten up in order to get their first point on the board.

Speaking after a 2-2 draw in a behind-closed-doors friendly against a Burnley XI on Tuesday, he said: “Everyone knew the start was going to be tough but we’re still a bit disappointed to be honest because we obviously wanted to get off to a good start.

“The first two performances weren’t too bad and it was just sloppy goals that cost us. But Saturday (against Woking) was our worst performance and we’ve had a chat about that and the lads looked really sharp in the friendly with Burnley.

“We’ve got to listen to Neil Young and put things right as soon as possible.

“If you make a mistake at this level you’re going to get punished whereas maybe last year if we made a mistake we perhaps got away with it a bit more.

“We probably could have cut out all the goals we’ve conceded so far this season with a lot of them down to mistakes.

“We’re desperate to turn things around so we need to get our heads down and tighten up and if we cut out conceding the sloppy goals then we’ve got half a chance.”

The Blues head into a difficult double-header this weekend with an away trip to last season’s runners-up Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday before a home clash with big-spending Forest Green Rovers on Monday (both 3pm).

Danby will be making a return to the club he spent five years at on Saturday and the former Harrier is confident Chester can pick up their first point – or points.

He said: “Most of the season we’ve got to be look at taking points against teams who are going to be above us and the next three games are against teams who could be in the top three.

“Everyone is feeling positive going into the Kiddy game but we know what we’re up against. Steve Burr is a good coach and a good manager and they had a rocky start last season but turned it round.

“If we can go there and keep a clean sheet and nick one we’ll take that.

“The main thing is that we get our heads on it and cut out the silly mistakes then we’re a match for anyone really.

“People keep going on about the fact we’re part-time but if you look at Southport they’ve had a good start.

“But we’re nice and positive, we know they’re going to be a good team and pass it around a lot but if we can keep it tight then we’ll take it on from there.”