Former Sutton and Epsom RFC skipper Steve Munford admits it has been a tough start to the season for the south London club but there is no need to panic.

The Rugby Lane outfit lost 22-15 to Beckenham on Saturday to leave them at the foot of the London Division One South table after opening the campaign with three straight defeats.

The latest reverse added to 30-17 and 42-15 humblings at the hands of Portsmouth and Dover respectively under new director of rugby Rowland Cheall and head coach Jeff Parsons.

But Munford, currently taking a break from the game as he contemplates joining the army having started the season in the centres, reckons it is only a matter of time before things come good.

“Obviously it's not going very well at the moment, but we're not panicking yet,” he said.

“It's been tough, but we just need to get a win under our belts to regain our confidence.”

“I think the club has been a little bit surprised about the quality of this league. Maybe we took it a bit lightly.

“But it's a reorganisation period at the moment. There's a new backroom set up with Rowland and Jeff and we're just getting used to it.”

Former Epsom College student Munford reckons the departure of hooker James Bennett - and some other key players - has been a big loss.

But he believes the club has been refreshed by the return of former players Alex Mockford and Adam Blissett, with the latter in particular being described as being like a new signing.

Munford hopes to return to the Sutton starting line-up in time for the home game against Cobham on October 16 and until then has urged the Rugby Lane support to keep the faith.

“The crowd have been brilliant. There's no lack of support. I'm sure we'll turn things around,” he added.

Sutton and Epsom's next three games: Sept 25 Chichester (a), Oct 2 Thanet Wanderers (h), 9 Hove (a).