THORNBURY Town manager Andy Davies is happy to let someone else take the lead at the top of the Gloucestershire County League – for now.

However, if the Thorns do go to the head of the division, which could happen on Saturday when second-placed Town tackle the unbeaten leaders Lebeq United at the Mundys Playing Field, the club will not shirk from it.

Thornbury are just two points off Lebeq although they have played a game more, but Davies is pleased with the way the season has gone so far.

The Town manager, who oversaw a 4-0 away victory at Hanham Athletic last Saturday which was their fifth victory out of seven games, said: “We were top of the league for seven weeks last year and, when you do that, everyone wants to beat you.

“You then have to do more so I am quite happy in second or third at the moment and then slowly you can get on them (the leaders).

“Lebeq will drop points during the season and we have to keep winning to keep in touch with them. It is important that we get something to show for it in all the games.”

While going top does not bother the manager, he would prefer a Spring run to overtake the leaders and clinch the title.

But Davies said his squad realise that they cannot afford to be complacent when they come up against the leaders this weekend.

“They know what will happen if they start slowly,” said the manager. “If the take it for granted, they will be beaten.

“You have to close them down and be competitive. They have brought in a few Western League players to get them out of the division this season so we have to be compact but, when they get the turnover, we have to keep our shape.”

Davies has also been highly-impressed by a couple of his summer signings who have helped Thornbury Town into their healthy league position.

Brandon Benjamin is one. The manager added: “He has been a good signing for us. We signed him from Patchway and Brandon has scored about six or seven goals so far.

“Toby Bennett is another who has got a few and has been good this season. He has been quality in the midfield.”

Armed with regular goal-snatcher Craig Lancastle up front as well, Thornbury have smashed in 18 goals in their seven league games so far and conceded just six.

Davies said: “Dave Jones has played well too. His last club was Severn Beach I think and he hasn’t been playing for a while but he joined us because he knows Craig.

“And we have the experience of Mark Viner who is 38 and still doing a job for us.

“Last year, I had 14 or 15 players and had no back-up but now I have 18 and have cover.”

That has created competition within Thornbury Town’s ranks which Davies is happy about. “I have heard whispers of players who are thinking if I don’t play well, there is someone else to come in which is good.”

So he is satisfied so far with the club’s progress, adding: “We are doing alright.”