Pinchbeck United are looking to build on their strong start to the season at AFC Mansfield

Lewis Thorogood admits Pinchbeck United are full of confidence ahead of their trip to AFC Mansfield on Saturday (3pm).

The Knights have started the season nicely and recorded an impressive 2-1 win over rivals Wisbech Town last time out in the Uhlsport UCL Premier Division North.

In contrast, opponents Mansfield have lost their first two league games of the season against Wisbech and Newark & Sherwood United – but did upset higher-graded Corby Town 1-0 in the Emirates FA Cup last weekend.

Pinchbeck boss Thorogood knows that there are no easy games for his side this season, but is confident of another positive result in Nottinghamshire.

“It’s going to be an interesting game on Saturday,” he said. “It’s potentially another tough game for us.

“If you look at Mansfield’s start, they’ve lost two games they’d probably consider winnable – then gone and won at Corby in the cup.

“There are absolutely no easy games at this level, but we have the confidence in ourselves to go there and win the game on Saturday.

“I’d have snapped your hand off if you’d offered me the start to the season we’ve had so far.

“Last year I think it was September until we won a match. The Wisbech win has really boosted our belief in ourselves and we’ll try to follow that up with another positive result.

“The games will come thick and fast at us and we’ll just take each one on its merit. I’d expect AFC Mansfield to be strong, but we’ll focus on ourselves.”

Providing all of his players came through Wednesday night’s Emirates FA Cup replay with Melton Town, Thorogood is hopeful that his selection issues in central defence will have eased somewhat.

Skipper Dan Worthington and key man Neal Spafford were among four central defenders unavailable for the 2-2 draw at Melton .

Pinchbeck are also in league action on Tuesday night as they make to short trip to neighbours Boston Town (7.45pm). The Knights won this fixture 2-0 last season.