Kevin Lucas is pleased with how quickly his new-look squad has settled and believes positive results will soon come

Ilford manager Kevin Lucas believes there is no reason for Foxes fans to panic after seeing plenty of positive signs so far this season.

Lucas’ side lost 1-0 to local rivals Romford in the Ryman One North on Saturday, where the Cricklefield outfit missed a hatful of chances to at least take a share of the spoils.

But Lucas is pleased with the way his new-look squad have settled so early into the season.

“Saturday was really disappointing, we had enough chances to win three football matches,” said the Ilford boss.

“Romford had one chance and it went in the back of the net. Warren Mfula, Sam Adejokun and Jan Skoniezki missed good chances.

“Romford supporters spoke after the game of their relief that they had won a tough game.

“But it was only a narrow defeat and when you see other sides around the league losing heavily it makes me notice that we aren’t a million miles away from picking up a few results.

“At this stage there is no reason to panic and all the boys are settling in well and showing good signs.”

Ilford are without a fixture this weekend and sit 19th in the table with four points from their opening five games, before welcoming AFC Sudbury to Cricklefield on Wednesday.

But the Foxes boss believes you can only start to judge sides with another month of football under their belt.

“It will take 10 or so games for the table to have some resemblance as to where teams will finish come the end of the season,” added Lucas.

“But as I have said before, it is about trying to shift the relegation candidates tag off of Ilford and it would be nice going into the last game of the season to not be in a relegation battle.

“The team is starting to settle and the banter between the players is good and everyone is getting along well.

“The most important thing is to transfer that on to the pitch and over the course of the season hopefully that will show.”