Still work to do

Source: Manchester Evening News

by Gavin Browne

September 02, 2010

Ashton United manager Danny Johnson says nobody at Hurst Cross will be getting carried away by their impressive start to the new Evo-Stik Premier Division campaign.

Monday’s 1-0 win against FC United of Manchester made it three victories and a draw for the Robins so far, putting them on top of the table with five goals scored and none conceded.

Such a start might have seemed unlikely after a difficult summer for all concerned with the Robins, but Johnson was eager to say a start is all it is.

He said: "We’ve done OK and everything’s gone to plan so far which is nice.

"The lads have worked really hard but we won’t be getting carried away, especially after the last three years when we’ve been top in September and things like that.

"The thing is we’re stronger this time around and we’re a bit better equipped to go the whole season then we perhaps have been in the past.

"The target is still a top-eight finish and I think we can achieve that this season."

Although Ashton’s start to the season might have raised a few eyebrows outside of Hurst Cross, the early report is ‘good but could do better’.

Ever the perfectionist, Johnson has already identified the areas that could be improved upon.

"It’s not been as good as I’d have liked," he said.

"There’s still a lot of things to do when we have the ball because I feel that we’ve been wasteful when we’ve had possession.

"We’ve got plenty of work to on the training ground so far as that’s concerned but our defenders have defended resolutely and Terry Smith hasn’t really had to face any serious chances from inside the box.

"We’ll continue to work hard but I think we’ve got a strong group of lads who are coming together even though there’s still a long way to go."