Paul Doswell has demanded his Sutton United stars stand up to the plate after a slow start to the Vanarama Conference South campaign.

Monday’s 3-1 defeat at home to Boreham Wood means United have picked up just four points from four games.

The boss admitted his new-look side is yet to gel, with problems at both ends of the pitch and a string of big names falling short of the standards required.

However, there is hope on the horizon as Doswell is expecting the return of Dale Binns, Callum Hart and Will Spetch for this weekend’s trip to St Albans City.

“Monday was very disappointing, to be 1-0 ahead with 10 minutes to go and lose 3-1 should not be happening at home,” he said.

“It’s disappointing because we wanted a good start to the season and instead we’re having a bad start, and we need to turn it around.

“I know what we’re lacking, we need a centre half, we need an old school leader in the middle of the pitch and we need our big name players to step up to the plate.

“I feel for lads like Charlie Clough, he’s been off form, but I think that’s more to do with having to cover the failings of players around him.”

He added: “I’ve not been comfortable with our starting 11 or shape for any of the games so far this season.

“The injuries have not helped, but there are players coming back who will make a difference, if not we may bring some more players in.”

United have also been lacking goals, with just four in four games, including an own goal in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Chelmsford.

Doswell said: “Our strikers have the quality. Jamie Taylor should have scored a second goal against Boreham Wood, which would have put the game to bed.

“We had something like 10 shots on goal against Boreham Wood, so we’re creating the chances, the strikers just need to stand up and perform like we know they can.”