PAUL Moore has warned his players not to lose their focus after they scored an eye-catching success against promoted City of Liverpool.

Vics were one of only two teams in the North West Counties League’s top-flight able to boast of winning both of their games by the end of Tuesday.

They won 4-2 at Padiham on Saturday.

“It shows how good we can be,” he said.

“But we need to keep calm and stay grounded; the challenge is to maintain the standards we’ve set.

“We look good going forward, with plenty of pace and power.

“However I still think we need to strengthen defensively.”

He hopes to sign a central defender in the coming days.

John Bennett opened the scoring inside five minutes at Barnton, driving low past goalkeeper Steve James after a throw-in was diverted into his path by a defender.

City of Liverpool drew level after half an hour when Jamie McDonald prodded in from close range.

Kevin McEllin prompted Richie Mottram into a save early in the second period before Brian Matthews found the net to make it 2-1 to the hosts after Yaw Gyimah’s powerful strike had been deflected his way.

A third goal followed when Matthews’ thumping header, from Stuart McDonald’s cross, found the top corner.

Gyimah’s overhead kick flashed wide, although Vics had to survive a late rally by the Purps after Reece Lyndon put through his own goal from John Connolly’s cross.

Moore added: “Our goals were pleasing on the eye, especially the third one – it was a great team move that ended with a high-quality cross from Stu and another precise header by Brian.

“It’s very early, of course, but we’re delighted with how we’ve started.”

Vics | Mottram (GK), Lawrence, Oppong, McDonnell (Kavanagh 81), Lyndon, Bennett, Marshall (Cobley 86), Pollard, Gyimah, Matthews (Walker 90), Stuart McDonald Subs not used Berrisford, Shaw Goals Bennett 5, Matthews 57, 73 Booked Marshall, Gyimah, Pollard

City of Liverpool | James (GK), Lester, Foy (McGrath 72), Camozzi, Robinson, Mitchell, Noon, McEllin (Roberts 67), Jamie McDonald, Connolly, Denson Subs not used Peterson, Dalton, Spearritt Goals McDonald 29, Lyndon 89 (own goal) Booked Robinson, McEllin, Denson

Referee Les Sinclair

Attendance 220

Match report by Jamie Dewsbury