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That is why Northwood took two more dips into the transfer market this week despite seeing his side leap back into pole position in the Banks’s League Premier Division.

The wily Gresley boss bolstered his midfield department by signing Steve Snaith from Oldbury United and Tamworth’s Ricky George.

The moves mean there will be intense competition for places once Northwood has a full squad available.

It was an eye-opening experience at the Moat Ground on Tuesday night when Rovers demolished title rivals Oldbury United 4-1 without players of the calibre of injured quartet Martin Dick, Dean Page, Paul Acklam and Tracey Norton.

With Snaith and George now also in Northwood’s melting pot he clearly has a squad capable of sustaining a season-long challenge.

George, signed on Tuesday, was suitably impressed with the potential at the Moat Ground.

“They look like a club who are going places and I’m hoping I can help them to get there,” said the 25-year-old Welshman, whose career began with Swansea City.

Quite where Snaith and George fit into the jigsaw remains to be seen and there is also an interesting debate on the future of Dean Page.

Page had an outstanding season for Rovers last term until it was curtailed by a knee injury which was corrected by a close season operation.

The former Brereton Social man is now on the road to recovery with the reserves and should soon be knocking on the first team door.

In the meantime, though, Steve Astley has been in commanding form in the sweeper’s role previously occupied by Page, instantly forming a good understanding with Gil Land.

Page is such a good player, however, that once he is fit Northwood will want to accommodate him somewhere across the back four rather than run the risk of unsettling one of the club’s most valuable assets.