Mcloughlin's men, playing in Division Two of the Northern League this season after the disappointment of relegation last term, enjoyed an excellent 2-1 victory over their Division One opponents.

But as they go into tomorrow's league clash at Thornaby, the Roofing supremo believes there is still more to come from his charges.

He said: "We played very well on Saturday – we were the better side by a mile.

"We changed it around and tried to shake things up a bit, and it seemed to work.

"We seem to have five or six players missing all the time at the moment, so I think it will take a few more games to click, but we're getting there."

The absences of key players have meant that McLoughlin has had to rely on his squad, but he insists he is more than happy with the resources at his disposal.

Centre-half Craig Fannon is banned for 35 days, and misses tomorrow's fixture, but Roofing have defender Andy Davies – signed from Horden – and midfielder Stuart Dixon available.

Paul Hodgson is also back from holiday, while Ryan Dunn may be available for selection as well.

McLoughlin has been delighted with the form of his front players, with Chris Archer scoring three goals in his first three games, while Kevin Davison terrorised the Spennymoor defence with his wing play at the weekend, scoring one and creating the other.

High-profile striker Eifion Williams may not have got off the mark yet, but it is only a matter of time before he hits the back of the net, according to his manager.

"Eifion's been unlucky so far," said McLoughlin. "He's hit the crossbar a couple of times, but he's playing well.

"He's been playing really well with Archer – it helps the lads having someone of his ability and experience.

"But the team as a whole played well on Saturday. We have got quality in the squad, and we played some really good football.

"I don't know much about Thornaby, but we just have to rely on ourselves."

McLoughlin will miss the match – and Bank Holiday Monday's derby clash with Hebburn Town – due to holiday, but Roofing are left in the capable hands of former Newcastle United defender and Torquay boss Wes Saunders, and David Tate, who has managed South Shields and Washington.