Rainworth Miners Welfare boss Rudy Funk has refused to get disheartened following their opening day defeat at home to Winterton Rangers.

He says the club's focus remains on achieving promotion to the UniBond League despite the 4-0 loss in their first ever KoolSport NCEL Premier Division match.

With the benefit of a couple of days to look back and reflect on the Wrens' baptism of fire into their new level, Funk insisted that he still has the players who are capable of achieving the ultimate aim.

But he also re-iterated his post-match words of praise for Winterton's performance.

Funk said "I think everyone was disappointed by the scoreline, but I have to underline that a great Winterton side came with a game plan which worked for them, whereas I was a bit surprised to see that some of our players did not show the commitment or work rate ... two of the qualities that I was on record as saying would underpin any success we had this season.

"Now they have seen what the Premier Division is all about I expect them to knuckle down and play in the way I know they can.

"Nothing has changed from the statement I made in pre-season, that we want that number one spot for ourselves. I see nothing wrong in setting targets in life, and ever since I came to Rainworth I have set targets - to win promotion from the Central Midlands, to win promotion from Division One, and now that we are in the Premier Division the next target has been set.

"I am a guy who respects other clubs from top to bottom, so there is no disrespect to other very good clubs in this league in setting a target of promotion - it is the aim of all the best clubs in the division to win the league title.

"But we know the quality we have in the side, and the drive within the club to bring about more success.

"Where we went wrong on Saturday was in the way some of the players put themselves about.

"They have to remember, and I have underlined this to them, just how strong the Premier Division is. You have to respect every individual and every team that comes to Rainworth, but when it comes to kick-off time, for the duration of the match that respect goes on the back burner because they become your opponents and you are battling for three points or for a place in the next round of a cup, so you can't be respectful of a side while you are playing.

"But immediately after the game you restore that respect you rightly have for your opponents."