CLITHEROE boss Steve Parry reflected on his side's poor start to the new season but insisted: "There's no panic!"

Parry's men went out of the FA Cup at Ashton United last week and lost 1-0 at Fleetwood in the league in midweek - leaving the Blues with just one win from their first three league games.

"We have had some tough games and the results haven't gone for us," admitted Parry.

"But we are getting there. We are still confident and I know we are not far away."

The Clitheroe boss still believes his squad is capable of being a force in the First North Western Trains League Division One.

"In the summer I knew we had to strengthen our defence and I am happy with that as a unit," he said.

"We now have to look at the attacking side of our game.

"But even though we have had some disappointing results we have not been outplayed by anyone. We still expect a finish in the top five."

Clitheroe will be aiming to return to winning ways at home to Nantwich tomorrow but his side still have a number of injury problems.

Brian Welch (Achilles), Lee Sculpher (back), Carl Greenwood (ankle) and Andy Taylor (ankle) all face late fitness checks, while Paul Whalley is still suspended.

Parry is hoping for a timely boost before Tuesday's big derby clash with neighbours Rossendale United at Dark Lane.

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