THERE were several new faces around Throstle Nest over pre-season and Farsley boss Neil Parsley believes they are just getting settled following an influx of signings.

After losing their opening game of the campaign, Farsley's progress has been almost serene since – four victories on the trot, 15 goals scored and just four conceded.

"Most of the players that have come in have been on our radar for some time and have played locally," said Parsley, whose side sit third in Division One North of the Evo-Stik League.

"Charlie Clamp had a spell with Avenue – as did Spencer Harris, who also played for Guiseley.

"I think we all know Marcus Edwards for his exploits at Eccleshill United, while Lewis Nightingale and Jason St Juste have both been at Guiseley and Park Avenue.

"We have also got Rilo (James Riley) back from his shoulder reconstruction, so he is like a new signing as well."

The Villagers' manager feels that local knowledge has helped the players bed in quickly and results have justified the signings.

Yet Parsley has been around the game long enough not to let a run of four good results give him false hope.

"It has been good with new faces and a new style of play but it's important that we build on our start because this will be a very tough division this year," he said.

"The back four still needs work and even though we have half a dozen new players, we lost two very good ones in Tom Morgan and Paddy Miller.

"Last year it was any five from eight that could have been there at the end (champions and four in the play-offs) but this time I think it will be any five from 12. That makes life difficult.

"There are some big clubs with big budgets. But that doesn't give them the divine right and obviously not all of them can make it.

"There will be a lot of supporters and chairmen all wanting to be successful, like the players and managers.

"I think we have to sensible. For us to do it is a tough ask this season but we are looking forward to being in a competitive league.

"I think we will be punching above our weight to get into the play-offs again but we will be as professional as we can be and give it our best shot."