For on Tuesday night the Tudors won their second game of the season against Bedford Town to send them top of the British Gas Business Southern League Premier Division much to the delight of manager Steve Bateman.

But the Hemel gaffer is not getting carried away.

"After the first two games, ourselves excepted, no team has managed two wins," said Bateman. "I'm pleased but I'm not getting carried away - this time last year we were in a similar position after we had a fantastic start.

"We have a game on Saturday and on Monday so we will see where we after the bank holiday.

"We have already secured the first six points but we will have to work hard to secure the next six."

The Tudors had to be resolute to ensure the victory on Tuesday evening, which was their second 1-0 win of the season.

Though keeper Ian Brown was rarely troubled, the defence had to be at their best to quash the threat the opposition always posed from the long ball.

Striker Gary Sippetts grabbed the only goal of the game 53 minutes in when he acrobatically headed home.

Bedford failed to clear a Hemel corner, and Chris Dillon's cross-come-shot was guided into the net by strike-partner Sippetts.

Hemel sat back after they took the lead, relying on the defence and midfield to break up any Bedford attack.

Nathan Bowden-Haase had the best chance to put the game beyond the reach of the visitors as the game entered the final 20 minutes, his point blank header somehow missing the target and ending up in the stands.

Sippetts' goal settled the tie, and afterwards Bateman revealed that this was the type of display he had been looking to achieve.
"It's particularly pleasing to keep two clean sheets in a row," he said.

"Scoring goals has never been a problem but we have conceded a lot. I have worked hard with the players to set ourselves up to be harder to beat.

"Taking our chances when they come has been the difference and we have been solid defensively so that bodes well.

"There is still a lot more to come from us."

Hemel are still likely to be without both Steve Jackman and David Deeney for Saturday's home game against Chippenham Town and Monday's trip to Farnborough.

They should both however return for next Saturday's home game against Halesowen Town.

What do you think of the Tudors' start to the season? Log on to www.hemeltoday.co.uk to have your say.