DEARNE and District are top of NCEL Division One after playing a third of their games but their manager believes they can still improve their performances.

They won 3--0 at home to Louth Town on Saturday.

Adam Baskerville scored a hat-trick.

They then drew 1-1 at South Leeds on Wednesday, with Justin Circuit netting a late equaliser. That left them two points clear at the top with 31 from 14 games, although sides below them have games in hand on them.

Dearne almost got promoted last season, which was their first in the NCEL, but lost the play-off final to neighbours Wombwell Town.

Manager Zeph Thomas said: “It’s been a good start but it can always be better.

“We’re top but teams have games in hand on us.

“I still don’t think we’re firing on all cylinders yet.

“We’re creating loads of chances but not scoring enough of them.

“At South Leeds, we hit the bar and the post and had a shot cleared off the line.

“We should have been out of sight so it’s frustrating to only draw.

“Our luck has got to change soon and someone is going to get a tonking.

“Defensively we are not bad at all and we just need to be ruthless.

“We’ll take each game as it comes.

“The league is very competitive and we just need to keep momentum up all season then see where we end up.”

Dearne now host Nostell on Friday evening.

Thomas said: “It’s a tough game.

“They won a lot of games last month and they’ve had a bit of a change in fortunes.

“Every team who comes to Dearne seems to have a point to prove.

“We have to match that.

“It’s a quick turnaround Wednesday to Friday but the lads should be alright.”