LEE DUCKWORTH has admitted that Winsford United’s promising start to the season may prompt them to adjust their expectations.

Blues were denied an opportunity to rise to fourth place in the North West Counties League’s top-flight when their game at Irlam was postponed on Tuesday.

However that remains their aim when AFC Liverpool visit St Luke’s Barton Stadium this weekend.

“Our mentality is changing,” said the manager.

“We’re looking up rather than over our shoulders at what is happening below, and that’s great.

“The players have repeatedly demonstrated their character in the past 12 months or so, and that includes in recent games too.

“To recover from 3-1 down with five minutes left to beat Barnton, who have been a bit of a bogey team for us, was a big win for us.

“I’ll always be optimistic, and praise the way we dug ourselves out of a hole rather than get down about how we ended up in one to start with.

“It’s a trait we’re proud of, and that’s why we’re now able to talk about closing a gap in the table to teams like Runcorn Linnets and Bootle.”

Winsford will also have revenge on their mind following a 4-0 reverse at Crosby in a first meeting with AFC Liverpool last month.

They have been boosted too by the return of Michael Koral and Scott Taylor from injury, and both made substitute appearances in a 2-2 draw with Squires Gate last Saturday.

Duckworth said: “Both Mike and Scotty are bending my ear about starting.

“They’ve made an impact when they’ve come on in the past couple of games, and reminded us of what we’ve been missing.

“We’ll be cautious because we don’t want to lose them again.”