VICTORY against Cambridge City returned us to the top and despite a few barbed comments that is where we deserve to be.

Okay we have put in a few indifferent performances but no one is going to tell me that after 14 games we are in a false position - we are there on merit.

In fact if you consider that we are still waiting to string a full 90 minutes together, allied to our crippling injury list I think we have done brilliantly.

With injured players still to come back, I think there are even grounds for optimism -- though nothing can be taken for granted in this league.

On paper the squad is starting to look quite strong although it has certainly taken time to put together.

We realised when we first arrived at St George's Lane that there was going to be no quick fix and that has certainly proved to be the case.

Only after a period of time can you look back and reflect on what you have done and with all due respect to everybody who has played and served us since I've been here, I think we have improved the squad, though to what degree is for others to judge.

Five points separate the top 10 teams and since I've been at the club the Dr Martens Premier Division has been consistently competitive and seems to be even more so this year.

Dover have crept into second place and are continuing their tradition of keeping clean sheets while pinching one nils as they did in Chris Kin-near's days.

Saturday pits us against Brendan Phillips at Halesowen Town and we will need to be sharp because they've put together a couple of good results. Confidence however is high after Saturday's win which saw us employ three at the back.

We used that system with a measure of success last year and it certainly has benefits. Darren Middleton for one enjoys it though I think Allan Davies prefers a flat back four. However, if you think back to his debut when he arrived on loan from Burton, he played in that position and he was outstanding.

Wing backs are key positions and David Holmes did a decent job in an unfamiliar position but you always need a degree of flexibility in football.

Pat Lyons enjoyed his more central role and his first touch is second to none. He's a pure footballer but has got some guts to his game as well.

People might look at him and think physically he's not the strongest but his understanding of the game is exceptional -- he keeps the ball moving, passes, supports, and links play - and he's had a very good background at Derby County.

Dan Jones enjoyed a sound first game and as a debut I don't think it could have gone much better. At three o'clock I think most people would have settled for a display like that.

His presence, plus the possible return of Asa Charlton who trained on Monday, and Paul Carty after suspension will give me a rare feeling on Saturday -- a small selection headache.