CHORLEY FC manager Matt Jansen has been impressed by the Magpies work-ethic after an impressive start to the season.

Back-to-back wins against Bradford Park Avenue (3-0) and then over Boston (2-0) has put the Chorley Group Victory Park outfit just outside the top five of the Vanarama Conference North by just two points.

The Magpies are due to travel to Darlington tonight (Wednesday) hoping to keep up their good form.

But Jansen has been pleased how the side had tightened up at the back in recent games.

He said: "We conceded three goals against FC United of Manchester on the opening game and they came from mistakes.

"Everyone makes mistakes I know that but we seem to have cut it out in the matches since then with three clean sheets.

"We have made ourselves very difficult to break down.

"We went to Kidderminster Harriers and got a draw, we probably could have won it if we scored a penalty.

"Then won 3-0 against Bradford Park Avenue and also won on Saturday.

"We are building with confidence.

"It is not just about ability, we have got a great team but you don't win titles or get success with players of the best ability.

"You need a good work ethic and believe and you will grow in confidence.

"The lads have shown a great team spirit and ethic but it is still early days."

On Saturday, Dale Whitham opened the scoring, heading in a Paul Jarvis cross on 34 minutes against Boston United.

Josh O’Keefe converted from the penalty spot five minutes later following a handball in the box.

Despite controlling the match for long periods Chorley didn’t get the additional goals their performance deserved.

Jansen insists he was delighted that his midfielders Whitham and O'Keefe were on target.

He said: "That was Dale's second goal of the season and we want our midfielders to join in.

"With a midfielder sitting deep it means that that other one either Josh or Dale can get forward.

"Josh also scored a penalty so it was good to get that off our backs (where Chorley had missed efforts against Kidderminster and FC United of Manchester)."

Jansen admits his squad is looking strong for the season and had no injuries or suspensions ahead of the trip to Darlington.

He said: "I have got two or three players missing out from the squad because we are so strong.

"But I have told the players that it is not about being in starting 11 now but they will be involved during the season."

With the Magpies knocking on the door for promotion, Jansen believes the Conference North will be a challenge this season.

He said: " It is a really strong league you have the likes of FC Halifax town, Kidderminster Harriers, Harrogate, Stockport and Salford City who will be up there.

"It is tough and still early days in such a competitive league."

The Magpies travel to Worcester City on Saturday and are in action on Bank Holiday Monday when they entertain Stalybridge Celtic.