MATT Bown believes that his Frome Town side deserve all the credit in the world for constructing an impressive start to the season despite the current controversy hovering over the club.

Manager Nick Bunyard remains internally suspended by the club after he was charged with breaching FA betting regulations, with Josh Jeffries and assistant Bown leading proceedings in his absence.

Despite that upheaval, the Robins find themselves fifth in the Southern League Premier Division and Bown is delighted that his players have refused to let off-field issues impact their early-season efforts.

“It’s difficult for us because it’s common knowledge what’s going on with the manager and me and Josh are just trying to get by and do things, and not worry about that,” said Bown.

“It is in the back of everyone’s minds so considering what’s going on, I think the lads have been superb.

“I’m very pleased at the start we’ve had and I think it’s the best start we’ve ever had in the league but we’re just carrying on from the end of last season.

“We had a great finish and we’ve taken it on again to another level.

“We need to keep going. We’re looking to push on this year and we needed a good start, which we’ve had, so it’s just a case of keeping doing what we’re doing.”

On Bank Holiday Monday, the Robins bounced back from a 3-1 home defeat at the hands of King’s Lynn Town by travelling to Basingstoke Town and winning by the same scoreline.

George Miller handed the visitors an early advantage before Aidan Kirby and Sam Teale notched, with Sam Deadfield getting the Dragons’ consolation effort.

On Saturday, Frome’s Darren Jeffries scored the opener in the sixth minute but King’s Lynn ran out comfortable winners thanks to three second-half goals.