Defender Sam Smith believes the competition in Workington Reds’ squad can help them deal with the hectic NPL North West Division schedule as they look to continue their perfect start to the season.

Reds are top of the league table, two points clear of the competition and will be looking to make it five wins in a row when they welcome Colne to Borough Park tonight (7.45pm kick off).

Tonight’s visitors have had a steady start to the league campaign, drawing 3-3 at Droylsden on the opening day then losing 3-1 at home to Marine before bouncing back to win 2-0 at Clitheroe and 4-0 when they hosted Ossett United on Saturday.

They are the league’s top scorers so far but will come up against a Reds defence which has been the joint-stingiest in the division, with Sam Smith flourishing at the heart of that back four.

The centre-back, who had to recover from an injury during pre-season, has rewarded new boss Danny Grainger for his faith since coming back into the side.

Speaking to the club’s website after the 1-0 win at City of Liverpool at the weekend, he said: “Coming back in for the last two, it’s been good; especially keeping a clean sheet.

“Credit to all the lads, we worked from the front.

“Trying to stop them putting the ball into our box is key for us.

“I feel like we sort of stepped off that in the last 10 minutes, which is where they found a bit of joy.

“We put in an absolute shift again, and deserved it.

“Goose [Dan Wordsworth] and I have a good partnership, we know each other well.

“Brock [Liam Brockbank] has come in at left-back and been brilliant in every game.

“At training, we’ve all been putting it in and everyone’s getting to know each other and the new lads are really starting to click in.”

It has been another quick turnaround for Reds but Smith believes the squad is equipped with both the experience and quality to cope, with competition for places all over the pitch.

“We’re all turning up to training and everyone’s wanting a spot in the team,” he added.

“That’s encouraging people to bring out the best in their game.

“We want that winning feeling all the time now because it’s great in the dressing room.

“Knowing that we’re two points clear, you don’t want to start getting into little battles with teams.

“The more advantage we’ve got, the better it is for us, and we are going to drop points over a season.

“A lot of us know what it’s like and the rest are all young lads, so they’re fit enough.”

n Reds have been drawn at home to Kendal Town in the first round of the Integro League Cup.

The tie is set to be played during the week commencing Monday, September 16.