Demanding more: Nostell Miners Welfare manager Paul Lines
Nostell Miners Welfare are far from achieving the high standards that Paul Lines has set his players.
After the promising start with the sensational victory at Cleethorpes on the opening day of the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division season, Nostell have not scored since and shipped 12 goals in two league and two FA Cup games.
Their most recent match was the 5-0 defeat at Handsworth Parramore.
“At this moment in time I’m not where I want to be with the side I have got in regards to fitness, endeavour, willingness to win,” said Lines, whose side travel to Retford United this evening.
“It is a little bit frustrating for me at the moment because I have to take it on the chin.
“Don’t forget as well we also have four key players out. Ste Wales is carrying an injury. Dale Kelly is back tonight. Dave Bordman is having his operation next week and John Douglas is probably going to be back in October.
“We’re very disjointed at this moment in time.”
Lines has been busy gathering help from his friends in the game, including Brighouse Town assistant manager Mark Booth, to try and bring in extra bodies.
On Friday, Brighouse pair Tom Robinson and Connah Judson were sent to help out at Nostell.
Lines has also signed former Farsley midfielder Craig Tonkinson, who was let go by Goole before the season started.
Lines said: “Boothy has helped me with two or three players this week and thanks go to him and Paul Quinn.
“The lads who have come in have done really well to say they played 90 minutes on Thursday for Brighouse’s development team.
“I also have Craig Tonkinson to look out and there is a possibility of another forward coming as well.
“It has been really busy recently and I have to because we’re conceding at one end and not scoring at the other.
“We have minus seven on the goals difference and that’s not good enough.”
Nostell are boosted by the return of inspirational captain Max Elliott, who was suspended for the trip to Handsworth.