Racing, who are third from bottom with four points from six games, produced some good football at Causeway United on Tuesday but lost 1-0.

Stuart How got the only goal of the game after 31 minutes, a fine free kick from the edge of the box.

That followed Saturday's 2-0 FA Cup preliminary round defeat by Stourport Swifts at Townsend Meadow. The Southern League men scored a goal in each half, but Hancocks felt there wasn't much between the sides for long periods.

Scott Morris put the step four side in front with half an hour gone, but they had to wait until three minutes from time for Matthew Smith to grab the second.

"We're not taking our chances at the moment, which is frustrating," Hancocks said.

"This year I think the club is stronger all round playing-wise, but we haven't got the cutting edge we had with Matt Blair and Ryan Howell."

With Ross Holtom departing for New Zealand soon and Tom Leaver returning to university, Hancocks is looking for new blood. He will also lose Jay Holtom, who is off to teach snowboarding, before Christmas.

"I'm on the lookout now. We need someone with experience who has played at a higher level and can just offer us that little bit extra."

Several Alliance sides are in the FA Vase tomorrow, but Racing have a bye to the second qualifying round on September 20, when they will be at home to either Sutton Town or Rocester.

Hancocks expects tomorrow's home game with Market Drayton to be another tough test. The early season leaders have won five of their six games and drawn the other.

"They were a strong side last season, they've started well and they haven't lost many players, so it will be a battle," he said.

On Tuesday Racing go to derby rivals Stratford Town.

Next games: Market Drayton Town home Saturday (3pm), Stratford Town away Tuesday (7.45pm).