Smith arrived back from holiday on Thursday, and at training that night found he had a goalkeeping crisis on his hands.

Paul Catley was injured in training, and with Dave Walton having suffered an injury playing for the Reserves on Wednesday night, it meant some frantic phone calls to get a keeper in for the opening game at Malvern.

Liam Jones, who has previously played at Long Melford, Halstead Town and Bury Town, has joined the club on a month's loan from Needham Market.

Two other players also signed for the club on Friday, defender Curtis Hayes-Brown, who has been outstanding in the two games, and striker Jamie Ricks. The new players met their team-mates for the first time as they travelled to Malvern.

Smith and assistant Chris Tracey had been in talks with Hayes-Brown, who has recently completed a trial with Ipswich Town. The free-scoring Ricks has played for Tiptree, Halstead, Witham and Maldon.

"It was pretty much chaotic on Friday," said Smith, "but we managed to get the three players signed, and then we won at Malvern. A win's a win, wherever you get it."

After AFC scored a couple of early goals on Saturday, "I thought we would win by a cricket score," Smith said.

"But they changed their system and came back at us. We showed a lot of character, and it was a real confidence-booster."

He was disappointed to concede two goals early in the second half on Tuesday at home to Aylesbury United. "We told them at half-time to stay strong and stop the supply to midfield."

But Smith was pleased with the way his side battled back. "If you had said three weeks ago we would have had four points from the first two games I would have grabbed it with both hands."

Despite the good start, Smith is continuing to urge patience. "There have been a lot of changes at the club in the summer. We are still a new side and it will take a while for us to gel properly."

Neil Cogger missed Tuesday's game, his knee having suffered a reaction at Malvern.

But he will train tonight and is expected to be in the squad for Saturday when Sutton Coldfield Town are the visitors to King's Marsh (3pm).

Sam Clarke, who was banned for the first two games, will also be in the squad.

AFC return to familiar territory on Monday, with a trip to Arlesey Town, who were also moved from Ryman League division one north during the close season. The Bank Holiday game starts at 3pm.