IAN Street has called on his players to shoot more sharply after they wasted a glut of chances in Saturday’s 3-1 win against Barnoldswick Town.

The 1874 Northwich manager, whose side has maximum points at the end of the season’s opening seven days, said he expects to see better finishing in the weeks ahead.

“I’m happy with a victory, but I’d like to see us be more ruthless,” he added.

“It was a bit frustrating that we weren’t more clinical, particularly as I felt we were in control of the game from the start.

“After scoring the second goal, we switched off.

“We made mistakes that let them back into it at 2-1, although we got that cushion back again quickly.

“I wasn’t fearful they would score two or three times to get back into it, but I don’t want it to become a habit that we get a spark from the opposition doing something.”

Mike Brandon hit the net either side of Matthew Beadle’s third goal of the season in a one-sided encounter.

Barnoldswick rallied briefly when Martin Broderick’s free kick slipped through goalkeeper Matt Conkie’s fingers, but 1874’s superiority was reflected by four attempts hitting the woodwork.

New recruit Paul Connor was denied on two of those occasions.

Street saved praise for Danny Thomas, assured in central midfield where he filled in for absent Matthew Woolley.

He said: “I know Danny is a player I can rely on. He’s an athlete, capable of slotting into almost every position without letting me down.

“I used him in that role a few times while I was manager here [with Winsford], so it’s not alien to him.”

To read a report on Saturday's game, click here: http://bit.ly/1yja9Gg