HIS side hasn’t won yet this season but Steve Lloyd says Barnton's players set a standard they must aspire to in every game during a midweek draw with Congleton.

Captain Chris Smith’s second-half equaliser cancelled out Declan Fletcher’s early opener for the Bears, earning for the Villagers only a second point of the campaign in the North West Counties League’s top-flight.

The manager told the Guardian he expects the same when they visit Winsford United on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

“It’s not a question of using our display on Wednesday as a springboard – that’s what we should be demanding of ourselves,” said Lloyd.

“The dressing room was buzzing after the game, and that’s a reward for our intensity over the full 90 minutes.

“But until we get a first win under our belt, we can enjoy nothing fully.”

Barnton’s other draw in the Premier Division this term came on a previous visit to St Luke’s Stadium last month when they twice came from behind against 1874 Northwich.

They’ll meet a home team on their return tomorrow that is full of confidence after winning three of their first five league matches.

However the Villagers won two of the teams’ three meetings in all competitions last term.

Lloyd said: “We’re maybe considered as underdogs for every game, but we reminded ourselves on [against Congleton] of the important of discipline and working hard.

“Winsford have flown out of the traps, and you can only admire their early-season form.

“It’s true that we matched them pretty well last year, but that counts for nothing now.

“What’s important on Saturday is we impose ourselves on the game as early as possible.”

George Mannion and Jack Irlam return to the squad tomorrow, while Ryan Malone is pushing for a first start.

Goalkeeper Chris Davies is unavailable.