RADCLIFFE Boro boss Kevin Glendon is refusing to press the panic button after just four games of the new campaign.

Despite being favourites to finish top of the pile, Boro have had a slow start to their campaign and stand mid-table following a haul of five points from four games.

Glendon said: "I'm not really too worried at the moment but I have to admit that we are not playing quite as well as I would have hoped."

Boro came through the Bank Holiday weekend double header undefeated but couldn't turn their superiority at Bridlington into a win and struggled to break down a well disciplined Leek outfit.

And, the Stainton Park boss declared: "I thought we should've won against Bridlington but we let a goal in and then we showed great strength and resilience in taking a point from a very good Leek side on Monday."

However, it is the style of play and not the results that is worrying the boss at this early stage in the season.

"We need to give the new lads time to settle in but I kept them behind and spoke with them for 20 minutes on Monday to let them know what style of football I expect from them," said Glendon

"It is something that is important to me and I know these players are all capable of playing our way.

"At times so far this season our retention of the ball has been poor and if we can conquer that we will be okay.

"However, if we don't start creating more pressure, we are going to struggle to score," the manager added.

And, Glendon believes hard work on the training pitch is the key to ironing out the problems.

He said: "We are going to be fair and keep this set of lads together and keep practising and training and I believe we will be fine."

The major positive so far this season has been the form of the Boro back line and keeper.

Famed for attacking football and a leaky defence in past seasons, Boro have limited their opponents to just three goals in four games with Simon Kelly, Paul Challinor and Jamie Price striking up a good partnership at Leek.

Glendon enthused: "I have been pleased with the defence and, in particular, (keeper) Danny Hurst.

"Danny has been playing through with an injury and it has been sore for him but we have no other real option.

"It's not ideal but Barry George isn't back until next week and Danny has been missing training to ensure he can at least play in the games."

Looking ahead to Saturday's trip to Gateshead, Glendon is confident on building on the solid base shown so far this season.

The man in the hot seat said: "We are confident of coming away with a win and we aren't too worried at this stage about our league position because no-one is too far ahead at the moment.

"We seem to be traditionally slow starters to seasons but we have played some good sides so far this season in Burscough, Bridlington and Leek."

On the injury front, Gordon Armstrong is out for the next ten weeks and Andy Heald picked up a hamstring strain on Monday that will sideline him for two weeks.

However, Stephen Hill should be in the match day squad despite breaking his nose at Leek.

Despite the facial damage, Hill's manager is sure there won't be any need for one of the infamous face masks donned by stars such as Paul Gascoigne in the past.

Glendon joked: "I doubt there will be any need for a mask but I suppose it might not do his looks any harm!"

BORO play host to Bamber Bridge next Tuesday (September 7) at Stainton Park. Kick off is at 7.45pm.