Ex-Wolverhampton Goldthorn man James Richards is aiming for more success after making a strong start to the season for Keele University Football Club.
Keele University lost their first game of the season 4-2 to Silverdale in the Staffordshire County Senior League.
Silverdale are now top of the league while Keele remain in fifth.
Richards left Wolverhampton to join the Staffordshire side and has started every game this season.
The 19-year-old participated in two sets of trials before being selected for the university side.
Richards reflected on his side’s promising start to the season.
He said: “We’re a young squad, who haven’t played together much and we’re playing against much more experienced and physically stronger opponents. So to be able to go against them and compete with them is a massive positive.
“We’ve made a strong start to the season and that is largely down to our mentality and work ethic.
“Our strategy is to focus on each game as it comes and just try to play football. There are a lot of tough teams in the league and therefore each game we’re gaining more experience.”
Richards, who is primarily a winger, has also made two appearances at fullback.
Keele will now face KPR in their next league encounter on Friday night.
Richards believes his side will have to improve if they want to build on their strong start.
He said: “If we want to move up the table then we need to improve the defensive side of our game. Keeping our defensive shape is a priority, especially when we’re against the more physical opponents.
“If we keep our shape and take our chances then we will continue to get the better of our opponents.”
