DEAN Stokes reckons Monday's 'rude awakening' could be just what Alsager need.
The Bullets ended a profitable period with a disappointing defeat on the Bank Holiday. After a confidence-boosting win over Nantwich, they crushed Spalding Town 5-1 on Saturday.
But their 100% record was ruined at Shepshed, and Stokes said: 'It was disappointing. We didn't play well, although we got better in the second half.
'It was a rude awakening. The lads found out that if they are not on their game right from the start, they will get turned over in this league. If we learn from that it will be worth it.
'But I can't be unhappy with the start we've had. The win over Nantwich was a massive result, and we now have none points on the board.'
Striker Chris Budrys claimed a super hat-trick at the weekend, while Whittaker was again on target along with Peter Heler.
A 22nd-minute effort from Robbie Banks was enough to sink Alsager on Monday, and they now have a long list of injuries concerns ahead of Saturday's FA Cup tie at Parkgate, of the North Counties East Lea gue.
Chris Rowley (hamstring), Michael Walsh (back), Stokes (knee), Mike Owen (knee), Ashley Miller (ankle), Steve Elks (hamstring) and Charlie Reeves (ankle) are all doubts.
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