IN assessing our first three matches, 'indifferent' would probably be the adjective I would use.

The second-half against Scarborough was as good as it gets - four goals, none against and some exciting football.

Cambridge was a bit untidy. I felt we should have got something out of the game and didn't deserve to lose but a key decision, or rather non-decision, by the referee early on did have a big bearing.

We've watched the decision on video and the referee had a clear view of a deliberate handball, almost on the goal-line.

It would have given us a penalty and there would have been a sending-off. Decisions go for and against you over the season but key things at the start of the season are vital.

We didn't play particularly well in that game and on Saturday, at Crawley, our performance was slightly untidy. At times it looked as if we had got it flowing but there were also some very scrappy moments when we were just lacking that bit of understanding.

There are a couple of ways of looking at life in the Conference in terms of how to play the game.

You either knock it long and run after it, which I understand Exeter, who have gone top of the league, are doing. They have not strung two passes together yet - I have spoken to a number of people, in particular Stuart Watkiss at Kidderminster who played against them last week. From what he told me they had to sedate the ball at half-time, it was battered so much!

We want to get the ball down and pass it, and pass it with a purpose. When we deviate from that pattern we look a poor side, but it needs 10 outfield players clued in to being available to receive the ball. It is obviously a more difficult way to play than just kicking the ball forward but also more pleasing on the eye and it can create a lot more chances.

But with so many new faces in the side it will take a little time to get that understanding.

We will continue to work at it and continue to play in the way we believe in.

It's not a bad start, six points from nine, and we look quite capable of creating chances. I'm delighted with the delivery of set-pieces, particularly corners. Three goals out of the seven have resulted from close-range efforts from corners delivered by Alex Jeannin. When sides come here and defend in numbers, that is one extra asset we now have.