MANAGER Andy Liddle has hailed the "massive transformation" at Cleethorpes Town amid their debut season in the Baris Northern Counties East League.
Cleethorpes, last year's Lincolnshire League champions, are third in the NCEL Division One with just over half of the season gone.
Liddle's men suffered their first defeat in six league matches last Saturday, when they lost 3-2 at Shirebrook.
They return to action when they host struggling Askern Villa at the Bradley Community Stadium a week tomorrow.
Approaching the festive period, Liddle is delighted with his team's progress and believes promotion can be achieved.
He said: "We've really come up two leagues from the Lincs League, so we had to adapt quickly.
"I said at the beginning of the season that there was no reason we couldn't get promotion from this league and people thought I was mad.
"My aim was always was to be in the top-six at Christmas and, if we can stay there or thereabouts, we'll be in with a chance at the end of the year.
"We've had a massive transformation from last season to this season and the way we've adapted to a level that we're not used to is really pleasing."
Liddle has strengthened his squad with new signings this campaign – and the depth of talent has extended to the club's Reserves, who are flying high in the Lincolnshire League.
"We're a fit side and we've got a big squad," the boss said.
"Luke Mascall, pictured, is one of our best players and we've been missing him through suspension, but he's back in January so we're in a good position.
"A lot of teams in this league would bite our hands off to be in our position and it's a big pat on the back to our players.
"We haven't achieved anything yet though, and I'm keeping my feet firmly on the ground."
