SALE FC director of coaching Brendan Thomas insists the Heywood Road men are starting to cope with life in the National League Two North.

After achieving promotion last year, the side suffered three defeats at the start of the season but now a month on they will be looking to seal three wins on the bounce when they take on Harrogate at the weekend.

Thomas said: "It was going to take some time in the new league but we are coming to terms with it now.

"We know what is required working week in, week out.

"We were very fortunate to get a last-minute try at Sandal for the victory in our most recent game.

"However, I thought we did enough to get a result."

Thomas believes it will be a tough challenge against Harrogate.

He said: "They are a well established team and know their way around this league.

"They will be a test of where we are at."

This season the side have been boosted by the links with Aviva Premiership giants Sale Sharks.

Thomas said: "I think all the lads have done really well this season and have done what is needed to get results in the league.

"We have some players on dual registration from Sale and that has brought some freshness to the squad.

"John O'Donnell, Jake Pope, Matt Postlethwaite and Connor Dever have all helped."