NEIL Parsley believes a first league victory is just around the corner for Farsley Celtic after a tough start.

Apart from a 3-0 loss at home to Kendal Town on the opening day, the Celts have not lost by more than a single goal.

But their only victory came in the FA Cup against Stocksbridge Park Steels before they were dumped at the next stage by Witton Albion last week.

That 2-1 setback left boss Parsley disappointed but defiant.

"We didn't get the result the players deserved, or the one the club and supporters wanted, but me and Jacko (assistant manager Mark Jackson) can be pleased with that performance," he said.

"We competed well against a side going really well in our division and created chances in good spells. That's been the same over the last month."

The Celts boss feels his club's need for momentum stems from the frustrations of a stagnant transfer market in the close season.

Clubs with limited budgets need good recruitment in order to bolster their squads. No-one knows that better than Parsley, who had a list of targets in the summer but was left frustrated in his dealings.

"We had a disappointing pre-season but not because of results or performances or players already at the club," he said.

"Everything in that respect was fine but we knew what areas of the squad needed strengthening towards the end of last season and we had identified the players we wanted to bring in.

"We hoped to have some, if not all, of them in place so that we could integrate them in pre-season but it didn't happen. We had discussions with players which were very positive but these deals are very difficult to get over the line.

"Since the season started we have brought Sam Robinson in, Lewis Nightingale has turned down a move to commit to the club and the young players that have come in have acquitted themselves very well.

"We have been defending well apart from the blatantly obvious individual mistakes and unfortunately we have been punished for those. You expect that at this level as a lot of the sides in this league have invested heavily.

"The young players will be good for the future and that is what we are planning for – but we need leaders on the pitch right now. Those types of players are not in abundance and subsequently they are in high demand.

"This area is doing really well in non-League football, so there is a lot of competition for signings."