Toolstation NCEL Division One
Considering the injury situation at Rossington Main, Ben Hunter says his men have done really well to have had a positive start to the campaign.
Rossington flew out of the blocks with the statement of intent victory at Selby Town on the opening day.
Hunter said then that it would mean nothing if they got beat 5-0 by Horbury Town.
They lost 3-0 but have responded with four wins and one draw in the league and Hunter says he is pleased.
“It has not gone all our way,” Hunter told Non League Yorkshire.
“We are really happy with the start and we managed to pick up points without getting to the levels I feel we should be getting to.
“It is still early doors and with the injuries…I’ve even had to play a couple of games, it has been great to pick up points and stay in the top half.
“Hopefully as people come back (from injury) we’ll start to continue picking up points.
“I didn’t (think we would run away with it after the Selby game) and I knew it would take time for the squad to gel.
“It is what we expected and we have had some tough games like Beverley away and we had a great result at Selby.
“It is not like we have played everyone down at the bottom so it is a great record so far.
“We have only been beaten once and Horbury were very good on the day and punished us.
“For me it is about keeping our heads down and keep grinding out the results.
“That’s what good teams do.”
Rossington have been threadbare at times and Hunter says that has been one of the most pleasing aspects of the start.
“We have had a couple of games where we have only had a couple of subs,” he said.
“The second team has helped us massively which has been great so thanks to Tom who runs that team.
“We have had under 17s in.
“It is part of football, you’re going to get injuries but we managed to pick up points.
“They have been great wins.
“We haven’t played great, but we’re digging in and picking up points.
“Don’t get me wrong, we have had parts of games where we have played amazingly well like Glasshoughton last week.
“In the first half we should have been six or seven-nil up so we’re playing well and it is starting to click.
“It will take time as we’re bringing in six or seven lads at once.
“We haven’t had the same eleven for two games in a row yet so you’re not going to be as fluent as you want to be.”
Last season there were clear favourites in Hallam and North Ferriby whereas this season there is a big field of contenders and Hunter agrees.
“I think it is wide open but it will all pan out,” he said.
“In November and December it will start to take shape.
“I think this league always gives you a chance and I said to our staff that if we can be in the top ten by October and in a good position, anything can happen.
“It is genuinely wide open and you see results and say ‘wow’ like Armthorpe going and beating Horbury.
“I think there is more contenders (this year) but I did think with ourselves that we were in with a shout last season.
“In terms of size of club and infrastructure there were two clubs who needed to go up and they have gone up now.
“In terms of being open, I think you’re right, there are probably 14 teams who think they have a chance of getting into the play-offs.”
Rossington are scheduled to visit Shirebrook Town this weekend.