Hucknall Town must show ruthless streak - Graves

The Yellows have started the season well, sitting fifth in the East Midlands Counties League Premier Division, with four wins from five matches, sitting three points off leaders Ollerton and with games in hand on sides above them.

Despite scoring 18 times in those league fixtures, Graves believes his squad could - and should - be making games feel that bit safer much earlier on.

"That shows that we are creating, which is a good thing. But we do need to be more ruthless and kill teams off," he said.

"Saturday proved that as we made good chances early on.

"The keeper made some good saves but we've got to be a little bit more ruthless. But as long as we're creating we'll be happy."

Town host Heanor Town on Saturday (KO 3pm), looking to build upon last weekend's 3-0 victory over Teversal, which saw Matthew Brian, Rory Smith and Joseph Ashurst get on the scoresheet.

Graves was pleased with that performance as Town kept their first clean sheet of the season.

"Three points, clean sheet. We were pleased with the clean sheet as we've been wanting one of them,” the manager continued.

"We played well, the passing was better than the week before (a 1-0 defeat to leaders Ollerton) and all credit to Teversal.

"I think they're in a bit of a false position as they play some decent football at times.

"Nobody's going to roll over and it's disrespectful when people, think teams near the bottom are going to roll over and you're going to get a hatfull.

"In every game you've got to work hard for it. We probably could have been a bit more ruthless first half but credit to Teversal."

After securing that first shut-out, the Town boss has reiterated his message to the squad that defence begins with the frontline.

"We said from the week before, defence starts in the attack as well," he added.

"When we lose it up top we've got to work hard to get it back and it's not always down the the defenders."

Heanor sit ninth in the table and were beaten 4-3 by Sherwood Colliery on Wednesday.