ADAM Foy believes 1874 Northwich are capable of competing for promotion at the first attempt, predicting the newly-formed club already has a squad equipped to play at a higher level.

After seven successive wins in the North West Counties League, and only one defeat in Division One all season, the captain says his teammates’ confidence is high.

Tuesday’s win at Leek CSOB, when leading scorer Mike Brandon took his goals tally to eight, leaves Ian Street’s men with a share of the lead with fellow pacesetters – and newcomers – Hanley Town.

“This group is good enough to challenge for the title, without question,” said the 32-year-old.

“We feel as though we can beat anybody at the moment, and there’s a buzz around the place.

“I know we started slowly, drawing matches that probably we should have won, but things are coming together now and the spirit in the side is strong.

“It’s a whole new team that was put together from scratch and many of us, including me, arrived late in pre-season.

“We’ve all needed time to get used to each other and how we play, as well as adapting to a formation that a lot of the lads haven’t tried before.”

Manager Ian Street has continued to add to his squad even during 1874’s winning sequence, recruiting forward Matthew Ward from higher-ranked Droylsden on Friday.

He scored on his debut, a 5-0 thrashing of Ashton Town, on Saturday.

Picked as the North West Counties League Premier Division player of the year after netting 21 times for Winsford United the season before last, he will share the scoring load with Brandon.

On-loan teenager Thomas Peers, Stuart Wellstead and Dean McGregor are alternatives in attack too.

Foy said: “In pre-season it’s fair to say there was a concern that a lot of pressure was on Mike to score.

“I think the manager has addressed that, and we’ve tried to chip in with one or two goals from midfield too.

“With the system that we use, there is always going to be support for whoever is playing up top.”

And Foy, skipper at landlords Winsford for the past two seasons, says he has no regrets at dropping down a level to play for Northwich.

He added: “It’s been great so far; the support we have as a team is fantastic and I hope the fans know what a difference it makes out on the pitch.

“At away games, I’ve seen the look on the face of one or two opposition captains as they’re getting ready to run out in front of what for them is a big crowd. It definitely plays a part.

“It’s probably fair to say that teams use it to spur them on too, which has been the case during our home games.

“The fans have helped on those occasions too, giving us lift when we needed it against Ashton [Town] for example.”