JON Kennedy would be the first to admit that he isn't troubled by a lack of confidence.

As a goalkeeper, it's necessary to have the courage of your own convictions to become established in any side.

But the Accrington Stanley stopper has even more reason to have a spring in his step on the back of four clean sheets.

The Reds will be hoping to make it five when they entertain Leigh RMI tomorrow (kick-off 3pm). But Kennedy admitted he is reluctant to put himself under pressure to deliver the goods.

"The main thing is to win, but it's pretty good when you're keeping clean sheets as well," the 23-year-old said.

"If you have a big win, a lot of times teams win 4-1 or 4-2, but it always looks better if you can keep a clean sheet and makes the result look more comfortable.

"But I've not set myself any targets in terms of keeping the run going.

"It sounds boring but all I'm doing is taking every game as it comes, because if you start thinking about keeping clean sheets you run the risk of putting pressure on yourself and expecting too much."

But Kennedy admitted that if his defence maintains the form shown in recent games, he is anticipating a few more peaceful afternoons.

And he hailed the Reds' new-look midfield as another key factor in their early season sucess which, he confessed, had caught him by surprise.

"The reason why we're dominating teams is because of Steve Jagielka and Ged Brannan. They're playing really well," the stopper said.

"The midfield as a whole is a lot stronger than it was last season, and the only game we were over-run in that department was at Stevenage, where everyone had a bad game."

Kennedy added improved fitness levels had also played a part in recent results.

"Last year we were conceding goals no matter who we were playing," he said.

"We lost a lot of goals in the last 10 minutes because players were tired and perhaps opponents that were full-time had that extra edge.

"This season the whole team's more organised. Training every day improves your concentration and right now I don't think there's a team that can match us.

"Obviously Barnet are the ones to catch, but it's up to us how well we do. We've just got to keep performing."

He added: "I was expecting us to do well this season, but I thought it would take a little bit longer for everything to click and maybe we wouldn't start climbing the table until just before Christmas.

"I didn't expect to be second at this stage, and I think we have surprised other teams as well. But they are beginning to realise the club has got ambition."

Meanwhile, manager John Coleman admitted he has noticed a marked improvement in his number one.

"Clean sheets will always help your confidence and Jon is starting to look more commanding," said the Reds chief, who is expecting his defence to be boosted by the return of Robbie Williams this weekend.

A groin strain kept the central defender out of last week's 5-0 win at Dagenham and Redbridge but he is likely to be fit enough to return tomorrow.

But his defensive partner, Steve Halford, is likely to be sidelined for at least another three weeks with a broken leg.

Coleman continued: "The people who have come into the defence have done a good job, but Robbie coming back means there is good competition for places."

The Stanley chief added that he had made an approach to out-of-favour Cambridge United defender Stuart Bimson.

The left back impressed in a one-month loan spell at the Interlink Express Stadium and was considering the offer.

Strugglers Leigh RMI have released midfielder Carl Adams.

Adams, 30, who was previously with Railwaymen manager Phil Starbuck at Hucknall Town, has been told he is surplus to requirements.

"It was an amicable arrangement but he struggled with travel and his fitness," said Starbuck.

"He is a good lad but I knew there might be an issue with his fitness. He worked hard but could not maintain the level needed for the Conference."