ALSAGER Town boss Greg Clowes is keeping a cool head despite his side's glowing start to the season.
After recovering from a 2-0 deficit to earn a draw against Ramsbottom on the opening day, Town turned up the heat with a searing 4-1 win at title favourites St Helens in midweek.
And an equaliser by Richard Mitchell in the FA Cup preliminary clash at Winsford United on Saturday kept an unbeaten start intact and optimism at a high level.
But Clowes insists his men have still not got out of the starting blocks well.
He explained: 'For the first 20 minutes of every game we may as well have stayed in the dressing room.
'We were 2-0 down early on in the first game, under pressure in the second and on the back foot at Winsford on Saturday.
'We have one of the most experienced sides in recent history at Alsager, but they are not using their heads. I have had a good chat with them and expect lessons to be learnt.
'It is a decent start but it could have been better. We never underestimated Winsford and they would do well in our league, no doubt. I hope to get through in the replay but would sacrifice everything for promotion this season.'
Tuesday's win at St Helens will have sent a chill down the spine of promotion-chasing clubs in the division. The manner of the win over last season's third-placed side has underlined Town's title credentials early on.
Steve Elks opened the scoring on 38 minutes and, although Gary Jenson levelled matters, goals from Glyn Blackhurst, Peter Heler and Paul Rutter made it safe.
On Saturday, Winsford took a 20th minute lead through a Neil Marsh strike in a half which they dominated, using long throw-ins and bombarding Town with the slope and wind at their backs.
Elks had gone close with a 50th minute header, and Blackhurst had been denied by the keeper from close range before Mitchell struck with a low shot in the 73rd minute to earn a replay.
The re-match was played as theChronicle wenttopresslast night. The winners will face Northallerton Town away on Saturday.
