NANTWICH Town boss Steve Davis is confident his new-look side is shaping up well for the season despite Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Witton Albion.
A pair of second-half strikes made the derby friendly game safe for the Mid Cheshire side, but with 10 new signings getting a run-out, Davis believes his team is beginning to gel.
He said: 'A mistake from Danny Reade in goal actually cost us the first goal and we lost the second trying to get back into the match.
'Witton were sharper and quicker than us, but that comes down to match practice and fitness and we have plenty of time to work on that.
'I think we are beginning to gel together and with James Marrow being the only new signing not available through injury, the others are getting a good chance to know each other. I am pleased with that and confident we are improving.'
Lee Spike and Danny Byrne got the Albion goals while Reade atoned for his error by saving Adam Carden's penalty.
Davis himself is still on the comeback trail after surgery on a knee problem this summer and is working with physio Matt Radcliffe. Former Crewe Alex trainee Marrow (ankle) should be ready for the opening game of the North West Counties League Division One season, at home to Bacup Borough on August 14.
The Dabbers played at Norton last night and travel to Winsford on Saturday. nAlsager Town hosted a useful Stafford Rangers U21 side and ran out 1-0 winners on Saturday.
After healthy attacking exchanges from both sides early on, it was Town who made the breakthrough in the 20th minute when Hammond struck after good work from Phil Grocott.
Peter Heler had a good shot saved in the 35th minute as Town piled on the pressure, but the young Rangers side held firm.
Stafford attempted to get back into the game after the restart but it was Wayne Brotherton who went closest to adding to the scoresheet, smashing a shot against the bar with 10 minutes remaining.
Alsager took on Middlewich Town as the Chronicle went to press last night and will line-up against Leek Town (away) on Tuesday, August 9, 7.45pm.
nNantwich Town are holding football coaching for youngsters throughout the summer holidays.
Kids of primary and secondary school ages are welcome to attend the sessions, which are held in four-day blocks from Tuesday to Friday, between 9.30am-2.30pm every day. The first begins on Tuesday. The cost is £40 for four days. Discounts are available for a second child in the same family, Nantwich Town players and those attending on multiple weeks.
Goalkeeping coaching sessions are available at Malbank School between 6.30-8pm on Mondays while girls (U10 and U12) train on Wednesdays between 6-7pm. A second session for U14 and U16 girls is between 7-8pm.
For more details, contact Steve Davis on 07984 089189 or Jon Brydon on 07810 645100.
