But he stressed that they would take time to gel as they were a new side still looking to fully bond.

However, as Blues go to old rivals Bedford Ath tomorrow, Bridgeman also knows his side need to start picking up points and ensuring results start reflecting performances.

Kettering suffered a narrow home defeat by Hinckley last week – their third loss in four so far.

But Bridgeman felt he saw enough in that match and in their previous
games to be confident that Blues will hold their own in the higher league.

"We almost beat ourselves really – just as we did in our previous home game against Newport," he said.

"We did all the hard work, got ourselves into a winning position and then let the opposition back into it and lost two close games.

"If we had won those two games as we should have done, we'd be in the top three now instead of the bottom three.

"But, overall, I think we are getting to grips with what's required for this league."

Bedford have also found points hard to come by this season and have lost their last three after winning their opener.

Blues will have some key players back for tomorrow's game, including scrum-half Darren Etheridge and fly-half Damien Whales.

Kev Osborne replaces Martin Cheetham in the front row while Corey Rainbow comes in at centre and Nathaniel Foster switches to the wing.

Paul Sumner, Tom Bridgeman and Joe Newman are all unavailable while Tom Noble drops to the seconds.

The seconds and fourths are both at home to their Bedford Ath
counterparts while the thirds travel to Olney 2nd. The Colts host Oundle.