Absolutely. Disappointing performance today, but still, I reckon an upgrade on most of our displays last season.

After 3 league matches last season we had 2 wins and a draw. But look who we had played: Braintree, Wealdstone and Fylde. The opposition we have faced so far, this season is vastly better than that lot. We have improved, no doubt about that. Just, not as much as the standard of opponents.

Common thread in the first 3 team selections this season and last: Hudson, Ogle, Monthe, Conlon and Fondop. Maybe it’s not a coincidence that questions are being asked about all of these as to whether NL is their natural level. The other half of the team is definitely a distinct improvement over what we had available this time last year.

Our 3 matches so far, against opponents with a combined aggregate of 18 points, 2 at home and one away. We have 2 points from 2 battling draws and an aggregate goal difference of 2-3.

Barnet, likewise, 2 home games and one away against opponents with an aggregate 18 league points - have 3 straight losses. While we have undoubtedly strengthened, they look to all appearances to have made their team worse than they were last season.

Mellon may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but seems far the likelier of the 2 promoted managers to still be in his job come the end of this season. Glass half full for me.