LANCASTER University Men's Hockey Club (LUMHC) has performed with varying degrees of success in the opening weeks of the new season.

Having retained the nucleus of last year's squad, the campaign began with plenty of optimism that under new coach Chris Hatter great things could be achieved.

However, it appears that the loss of three star performers, including captain Matty Lister, from last season has had a huge effect on the team.

Despite some fine victories, the team has been unable to put together any consistency.

And while the new attacking style adopted by current captain Charlie Venning may have led to plenty of goals, the downside has been a leaky defence - as shown by losses of 6-4, 3-2 and 4-0 against beatable opposition.

Big guns Chris McPherson (10 goals from midfield) and Venning have been firing an all cylinders, but they have simply not been provided with adequate support and commitment on many occasions.

Michael Bowler, who has the potential to become a 25-goal striker, has been largely restricted to a peripheral role out wide.

And veteran striker Dave Godfrey - who has had limited game time so far due to fitness issues - would certainly welcome some fresh legs to partner his ailing limbs.

Fresher Jamie Welton has performed admirably upfront in the opening games, weighing in with four goals. However, the side is still hugely reliant on McPherson to deliver the goods.

The shipping of 17 goals in the opening five games is simply not championship form and the side needs to learn to play more as a unit.