Richard Tracey says his side can take plenty of encouragement from their unbeaten start to the Northern Premier League (NPL) Division One East season – but has urged them to be even more ruthless in both boxes.

The Pewits opened the campaign with a 3–0 win over Silsden before earning a hard-fought 1–1 draw away at Bradford Park Avenue.

On the opening-day victory over Silsden, Tracey said: “I thought Silsden came and asked some questions of us, and it wasn’t as straightforward at times as the 3–0 probably looks. We played well and got goals at good times, which always helps. The first two goals came from set plays we’d worked on, second balls in and around the box, keeping them alive, and one of those led directly to a goal and another to a penalty for the second.

“Silsden are always going to have a go at you. We had a spell where we were effectively playing with ten men because Laurence turned his ankle and was trying to get it moving, and they got on top a little bit. But we saw it out for ten minutes, went down the other end and scored, which effectively killed the game and made it a lot easier for us to manage through.

“We were delighted to get three points on the board, three goals, a clean sheet, and some really impressive performances. I thought Joe and Laurence were really hard to deal with up front, and defensively we kept a clean sheet with Dec making some really good saves. Overall, it was a really positive night.”

The manager also backed the visitors to adapt well to the higher division: “At home we’ve got to try and impose ourselves on other teams. Silsden are big, organised, and have a method of play. They had some really good moments in the game and they have put together a good side. I think they’re going to be fine in this division. They’ve worked hard with that squad for three or four years, so they know what they’re doing. When you come up, you don’t have to change the world, and I’m sure they’ll do well. We won our first game away at Grimsby last year and it was important to win our first game again this season, especially knowing our next one was going to be tough against one of the favourites in the league.”

Four days later, Emley secured a point at Bradford Park Avenue despite playing the last ten minutes with ten men. Tracey was pleased with the resilience, but admitted the hosts could have punished them more: “I’m really proud of the performance and coming away with a point, especially having a spell with ten men. But I’ll be honest, Avenue let us off the hook. They missed a couple of gilt-edged chances and a couple of free headers straight at Dec, who made some really good saves, including a one-on-one. We hit the inside of the post, had a couple of free kicks, so there were chances both ways.

“They have got a really strong squad, not just 16 players, but 20 or more quality players at this level and we knew it was going to be tough. The first half was pretty even. I thought we upset them a bit, won a lot of free kicks, and hit the post. They had a couple of chances too, including a one-on-one.

“In the second half we came out, hit them on the break, and scored quickly. But if I’m being genuinely honest, they probably should have won the game. The disappointing part for us is that in the build-up to their goal there was a blatant, easy foul, that’s frustrating, but it’s not taking away from them. They were as fit a team as I’ve seen in quite a while. Their movement was good, they were a handful, they defended well, and they can put you under pressure in different ways, playing through you or going long quickly. They’re going to be right up there this season.

“For us, it’s a really good point to start with four points from two games. It gives us a platform to build on. But as I told the lads we have to defend our box better because we won’t always get away with it like we did in this game. Lots of positives, though – sometimes you earn that bit of luck by grinding it out when things aren’t going your way. Their press was aggressive, they were quick and mobile, so it wasn’t an easy night. I’m absolutely delighted to take a point from them.”

Emley now turn their attention to Saturday’s FA Cup Preliminary Round trip to Longridge Town, followed by Tuesday night’s home league match against Lincoln United.

On the cup tie, Tracey said: “Everyone looks forward to the FA Cup, it’s a competition you want to do well in. Two years ago we had a really good run, and although we did okay last year, we’d like to have a better go this time. Longridge have had a bit of an indifferent start in the league, but they had an outstanding replay win, beating Pilkington 8–1. On their own patch they’ll try and make it really difficult for us. We believe we’ve got a strong side and can go there and put our stamp on the game, but it’s never easy. You’ve got to earn the right to play in the first 15 minutes. Cup games are always a bit faster with everything at stake on the day. We’ll need to earn that right and build from there. We’re really looking forward to it – FA Cup days are good days, and we’d like to have a couple more this year.”

On the Lincoln clash, he added: “Lincoln are a bit of a new side for us to play. Their management team came from Winterton, so there are a couple of players we know, but the vast majority aren’t ones we’ve faced before. The management are good football people who try to play the game in the right way. Lincoln were quarter-finalists as well, so there’s good quality in their squad. They’ll be buzzing from their win over Matlock and it’ll give them belief they can beat anyone. But for us, it’s about asserting ourselves at home and trying to get on top of the opposition – that’s exactly what we’ll be looking to do.”

Tracey confirmed Iyrwah remains out long-term, while striker Joe Clegg faces three to four weeks on the sidelines after a shoulder injury at Bradford Park Avenue. New signings Sonny Whittington and Carlos Rodrigues have joined from Bradford Park Avenue and Sheffield Wednesday respectively, with Rodrigues impressing on debut.

Tracey added: “Carlos is definitely a threat, and we’re delighted with both additions. If the right player comes up at the right price, we’ll be interested, just like any club would, so we’ll keep working behind the scenes.”

UTP!