LEE Duckworth rates the performance of Winsford United’s players in a derby success at Northwich Victoria as among the best of his time as manager.

Blues scored three times before the break in a 4-0 win, continuing an unbeaten start to a new season in the North West Counties League.

However he warned they may need to repeat the trick if they are to take anything from a trip to promotion-hopefuls Runcorn Linnets ttonight, kick-off 7.45pm.

“It’s up there,” said Duckworth when asked if last Saturday’s victory was a high point of his tenure.

“I believe this is the most talented group of individuals I’ve had, but the doubt around them is whether they have the discipline to reach those heights regularly.

“So far they’ve proved that they can, but we won’t be getting carried away.”

He told the Guardian that it is possible opponents have underestimated his young side during the campaign’s opening fortnight.

Wins against Barnoldswick and Vics sandwich a hard-fought draw at Hanley during which Blues played for more than an hour with 10 men following Jordan Johnson’s first-half dismissal.

“It’s possible we’ve surprised one or two people,” said the player-manager.

“Perhaps they look at our squad and see a lot of guys that haven’t flourished as they should at other clubs.

“I’ve got faith in them though; they’re a side that’s working hard and enjoying their football, and Winsford United is reaping the benefit at the moment.”

A trip to Runcorn is more daunting without Johnson, who starts a three-match ban, and fellow front-runner Michael Koral after he injured a thigh at the weekend.

The return of Nathan Cotterell, after he completed pre-season with Nantwich, is a therefore a timely boost for Blues.

Duckworth said: “It’s a blow to lose Mike, who has been on fire in the first few games.

“We know what Nathan can do, and he produced his best here last season – that means we can give it a real good go against Linnets.”