The Blues enjoyed a 5-2 win against Ramsbottom United at Shawbridge on Tuesday night, but with the big UniBond League kick-off at home to Mossley just a fortnight away, Smith knows his side have to be more miserly.

Danny Toronczak scored twice, to add to an own goal, an Owen Roberts penalty and a header from Ian Flannery, but Smith said: "Attacking, we look great and we are playing some good football, getting lots of crosses in and creating chances.

"But I have to admit to being a bit concerned defensively.

"On Tuesday we were getting caught by long balls, and we have to be harder to break down.

"We're not really firing on all cylinders yet – although last year we were flying and then started the season badly.

"We are getting better with each game though, we just need to be stronger defensively as a unit.

"We conceded far too many goals last season, and we have yet to keep a clean sheet in pre-season."

Clitheroe step up their preparations with their penultimate pre-season friendly at home to newly-promoted UniBond Premier League side Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday (kick-off 3 p.m.).

And Smith expects a stern examination against a side tipped to win the title at the first attempt: "It will be a massive test for us – Bradford have been bringing players in for £20,000 and are favourites to win the Premier League.

"We have a few players unavailable – Jason Jones, Gary Stopforth, Paul Osborne – but it is a chance to look at a couple of other lads.

"After Saturday's game, we only have one more match against Buxton before the season starts, and it will be time to start making some decisions about the team."

Chris Ward has returned to the club after his teaching commitments, while both Ryan Fisher and joint-manager Neil Reynolds have had some game time under their belts after knee injuries.

And Smith explained that the management duo are happy with the squad at their disposal: "We didn't want to bring too many players in over the summer, we brought a few in towards the end of last season and strengthened further, but we are happy with the numbers we have at present.

"We will have a 20-man squad, and if any lads are out, we have players who can come in and do a job over the season."