DESPITE four consecutive league defeats, Radcliffe Borough boss Danny Johnson is happy with the way his team are shaping up and is now targeting a good run in the FA Cup.

Having been handed a tough run of opening fixtures, the Evo-Stik Division One North outfit have narrowly lost to high-flyers Mossley, Warrington Town and Spennymoor Town, with their latest defeat a 2-1 reverse at home to second-placed Northwich Victoria on Tuesday night.

But despite the winless start to the new campaign, Johnson is pleased with his improving side’s character.

“We’re not too concerned that we have lost four games on the bounce because we always knew we were going to have a tough start to the season against some of the top sides,” he said.

“But we’ve run all those team’s very close.

“Warrington were fortunate to get the three points last week and I don’t think Spennymoor would have complained if we had beaten them by three or four goals with our second half performance on Saturday.”

“There’s a really good group of players at the club and I’m happy we are moving in the right direction.”

Goal-shy Boro, who sit third bottom of the division, are one of three clubs yet to register a point.

They did however open their goalscoring account when Tom Hulme netted a late consolation against Northwich, and Johnson is confident that more goals will quickly follow.

“If we weren’t creating chances and weren’t playing a nice brand of football I’d be worried and disappointed but we are playing well,” he said.

“We just haven’t had that killer instinct or magic touch in front of goal yet, and obviously that’s something we need to work on.

“Some of the football has been excellent. Yes, we need to improve on certain things but we are heading in the right direction.”

Boro travel to AFC Liverpool in the FA Cup preliminary round tomorrow, and Johnson is hoping to get the better of the unbeaten North West Counties Premier Division side.

“We are really buoyant,” he said. “The lads are in good spirits and are looking forward to the cup game.

“AFC Liverpool will be very organised and will play the game the right way. Scousers are always up for the battle and we will need to match them.

“A nice cup run would be good, especially for the club because of the financial rewards it brings. That’s what we are looking for.”

Boro return to league action on Monday at home to Kendal Town, kick-off 3pm, although this game will be rearranged if a cup replay is needed on Tuesday night at the Belvoir Stadium.