North Leigh assistant boss Terry Merriman says it is vital they stop shipping so many goals if they are to have a say in the Division 1 South & West promotion picture.

While putting away chances at the top end has not been a problem in recent seasons, for the Millers, Merriman says it is imperative that they tighten up the back.

“We have to defend better,” said Merriman.

“When you are building a good team you have to start with a strong defence. “We are a free-scoring side, but you can’t keep expecting to win games 5-4, because eventually it’s going to go wrong.

“I don’t know the statistics, but over the last few seasons we have let in something like 60 goals a season.

“It’s not good enough if you want to put yourself in a play-off position. “Having a good home record is important and over the past few years ours has been distinctly average.

“Our home record has been on a par with our away record.”

Merriman said their build up to the season, which ended with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Skrill South Eastleigh, had gone well.

Former U’s striker Yemi Odubade scored the only goal. He added: “Our fitness levels are great. Although we lost 1-0 and didn’t really threaten their goal, that was a quality performance from us. “We were very good and the signs are promising.”

Last season, they got off to a flying start, only for their play-off challenge to fade.

But Merriman is hoping that the return of Elliott Osborne-Ricketts and Morgan Williams, plus the signings of brothers Aaron Woodley and his you-nger brother, Matty, all of whom played against Eastleigh, can lift their challenge.

“Last season we started tremendously and went on a great run.

“We did well in the FA Cup for a club in our division, beating a Conference team (Havant & Waterlooville).

“But after that our form seemed to go downhill and it wasn’t until February that we go back on track again.

“We were fourth or fifth from bottom at one stage and that is not acceptable.

“We’re far better than that and I would expect us to be pushing for the play-offs – it’s not beyond us.”

Merriman, 45, who has been part of the Eynsham Park set-up for eight years, admits Saturday’s opener against Merthyr Tydfil Town, is a difficult start.

“It’s a real tough one for us because they are one of the strongly-fancied teams,” he added.

IN: E Osborne-Ricketts, M Williams (both Didcot Tn), A Woodley (Abingdon Utd), M Woodley. OUT: R Brooks (Ardley Utd), K Sanders (Oxford City).