CHESTER coach Jan Van Deventer insists it is too early to panic after successive defeats in their opening two league games.

Sunday’s 18-10 reverse at Caldy saw his side leave the Wirral empty-handed following their opening day loss at Sheffield Tigers a week earlier.

But Van Deventer, whose men only narrowly missed out on National League Two North title honours last term, is adamant that such early setbacks will not derail their campaign.

“It’s disappointing, of course”, he said.

“We haven’t played at our best in either of the games so far and have been poor at times.

“When we first looked at the fixture list we knew we were in for a tough opening month, with two away games back to back against very decent sides.

“As good as last year was for us we only won seven of our 15 away games. There were slip ups and bad results along the way last season too, so it’s not a huge concern for us right now.

“We’re not panicking because we know the areas we need to improve and we’re confident we can turn this around and put some points on the board quickly.”

Van Deventer had demanded a clinical display from his side at Caldy, but it was the hosts who kept the scoreboard ticking over with their superior kicking.

His side will now have home advantage against Loughborough Students on Saturday.

Relegated from National League One last season, the Leicestershire club have found their feet quickly - storming to a 41-7 win over Hinckley last weekend.

Van Deventer is relishing his side’s first home game of the season and has called for a positive start in the contest.

He added: “It’s great to be playing at Hare Lane again.

“We know we need to deliver a big performance this weekend.

“That means starting the game as quickly as we can and not chasing it as we we have been at times already this season.

“We had the same issues against Caldy as we did against Sheffield.

“When we had the ball we worked it into good areas but we couldn’t find the finish.

“That side of our game has to be better and the chances we create, we have to take.”

Early pacesetters Stourbridge entertain Hull, with second-placed Caldy heading to Sheffield Tigers.

Preston host Scunthorpe, Luctonians go to Hinckley, Huddersfield entertain Sedgley Park, Otley visit Tynedale while Wharfedale have home advantage against Fylde.