Stanley United's long-serving manager Vince Kirkup reckons that one win will kick-start his team's season.

So far, the Hill Top club has taken just one point out of a possible 21 after Kirkup predicted that the side was good enough to finish in the top half of the table.

"We are bottom after seven matches but I still believe we have a stronger squad than last season when we finished in a respectable position. We have been ravaged by injuries and suspensions and for the game against Stokesley SC I was minus ten players and against Jarrow I was unable to call upon nine of the squad,"said Kirkup.

Strikers Thomas Bushby and David Craig have each played only twice and player of the season Alan Lamb will not play for some time because of an injury to his foot.

Another experienced campaigner Ivan Moxon has managed just two outings in seven and other players have missed odd matches.

"It was so bad at one stage that I had to call upon former Newcastle United striker Alan Shoulder to help me out. Alan is 48 and played part of the match against Wolviston and the entire 90 minutes when we met Jarrow. He is a great lad and always responds when I ask for help," Kirkup said.

The Hill Top boss, who has been with the club for more than 20 years, is looking to strengthen the squad and is hopeful that Shaun Gregory will soon return from the Albany Northern League.

"The Committee have been very patient and understanding. They did a tremendous amount of work during the close season but unfortunately up till now their efforts have not been equalled on the field of play.

"But things will get better once we have a settled side with the addition of one or two older heads. I feel several players have played well individually but not as a team.

"All we need is a good win and we'll turn the corner. Success breeds success and I'm confident we will soon be up and running," enthused Kirkup.