Dunn feels high-flying Pinchbeck United are justifying their promotion from the PDFL

Happy player/boss Ian Dunn reckons that Pinchbeck United’s fine start to the ChromaSport UCL Division One campaign justifies their decision to take promotion from the PDFL last season.

The Knights are second in the table ahead of Saturday’s visit of sixth-placed Lutterworth Athletic to the Sir Halley (3pm).

Dunn, who has steered his side to five wins from their last six in the league, is hoping to keep that run going as the club aims for back-to-back promotions.

“The league is tougher than we expected,” admitted Dunn. “Barring the bottom two, anyone can beat anyone on their day really.

“It took us a few months to find our feet, but I think we really look like we belong now.

“To be second in the table and have the best defensive record in the league so far this season makes going through the process of promotion seem worthwhile – and justified.

“It’s cliché, but we’re taking it a game at a time at the moment. I think that, if we’re in the mix at Christmas time, we can have a really good go at things in the second half of the season.

“We’re in great form and creating a lot of chances – we should have scored a lot more than we have – but we’re realistic enough to know that results can change quickly in this league. The only real negative has been the lack of consistency in our selection. We’re rarely able to pick the same side every week, which isn’t ideal.”

Pinchbeck beat Lutterworth, Saturday’s visitors to the Sir Halley, 3-2 last month – but they have been warned to expect a backlash.

“If we can do the double over one of our rivals at the top, that sends out a positive message,” added Dunn. “If we can keep winning, especially against rivals, we’ll be in a strong position.

“They’ll want to rectify the loss at their place, so we’ll need to be ready.”

Andrew Tidswell is unavailable on Saturday and Tom Brooks begins a four-game ban, but Edgaras Buzas and Liam Ogden should return.

Meanwhile, Pinchbeck have missed out on signing Peterborough Northern Star striker Zak Munton after making a seven-day notice of approach. He has decided to stay put.