NPL Division One East
Vill Powell says Brighouse Town have visibly missed one of their key midfielders in their opening three games.
Corey Gregory is slowly returning from injury and Powell says his absent is showing.
“I still am (positive) because I know we can get stronger and better,” Powell told Non League Yorkshire.
“I was confident with the depth of the squad but what is critical and clear, there’s one component that has been missing and that’s changed my perspective.
“That’s Corey Gregory.
“That’s putting a lot of pressure on the lad’s head but he is the big difference that solidifies us defensively.
“He’s a leader, a winner and we’re really missing him.
“He’s injured.
“Once we get him back to match speed he’ll make a difference for us.
“We have conceded six goals in three games and that’s not good enough.
“The only missing out of that equation is him and he is a big miss.”
Brighouse lost to Hebburn Town on the opening day before the draw at Stocksbridge Park Steels.
Their start sunk to a low with the FA Cup defeat to Penistone Church last week and Powell says he is prepared to make changes for the trip to Grimsby Borough.
“It is a fresh slate,” he said.
“The only player who did himself any real justice (against Penistone) was Mo (Qasim).
“Everyone else will have to train hard this week and show they are serious about putting it right.
“It is a difficult and not a good start, one draw and two defeats and out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle.
“The good thing is we have quality players to come back and we have to push them to match speed.”