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Last season Gresley made a disastrous start to their Banks’s League campaign – dropping a staggering 10 points in the first five games.

But this time round the Moatmen have a 100 per cent record after four games.

Said striker Paul Acklam after Tuesday’s impressive win at Paget: “I thought we were really sharp tonight. We don’t always make a good start to the season but if we win at the weekend we’ll have got off to a flier.”

Gresley didn’t just win – they demolished Stourport and Millfields 5-1 and 4-1 respectively to lead the table from Halesowen Harriers on goal difference.

That put Northwood in a happy frame of mind on the eve of tomorrow’s FA Cup qualifier at Chadderton, near Manchester.

“I think we’re playing better football than at any time during my time at Gresley,” he said. “And I’m very pleased for the fans that we’re getting the ball into the box so often and creating so many chances.”

However, Northwood is mindful of his current settled side is due to suffer enforced disruption soon.

After tomorrow, striker Paul Acklam – three goals so far this term – starts a three-game suspension following his sending off at Hinckley Town last season.

And midfielder Neil Lovell – who has also figured prominently in the goalscoring stakes – is soon to become unavailable on a regular basis because of work commitments.

So Northwood is continuing his never ending quest for quality players with these two positions in mind.

With and early season bid to sign former Burton Albion midfielder Eddie Hogan from Telford United shelved the Moat boss is still seeking a left-sided midfielder to replace Lovell.

And he has made a move for Paget striker Patrick Williams – one of the Sutton Coldfield side’s outstanding players in last week’s game – to bolster his forward strength.