KARL Marginson says he has not been surprised by the improved standard of teams in the UniBond Premier League – just by the wages.

The FC United boss has seen his newly-promoted side make a mixed start to the new campaign.

The Rebels were sunk by a brace from old boy Rory Patterson at big-spending Bradford Park Avenue on Monday night.

Marginson’s men will look to bounce back against Eastwood Town at Gigg Lane this weekend against a team who have a £9,000-a-week playing budget.

And the manager admits it makes it difficult to compete as the Reds chase a fourth successive promotion.

“That’s five or six times more than I have to spend,” he said.

“There’s a myth that we’re big spenders but we never have been.

“Last season we were about mid-table in terms of paying wages – now we’re bottom.

“We knew teams would be fitter, better organised and have a little bit more quality in this league, and they are.

“But anyone can beat anyone and, if my players start believing in themselves, then they can be a force to be reckoned with.”

Former fans’ favourite Patterson, who was lured to Bradford in a lucrative moved over the summer, came back to haunt his old club in a 2-0 defeat.

The striker put the home side, which also included ex-Rebels man Stuart Rudd in their ranks, ahead after 15 minutes with a stunning 30-yard free-kick.

He doubled the lead just before the hour mark with a cool finish before FC’s Chris Baguley was sent off for his second bookable offence late on as tempers threatened to boil over.

The loss came two days after Kyle Wilson inspired United to a convincing 3-1 victory against Whitby Town.

The striker, Patterson’s replacement, smashed a brilliant hat-trick against the league’s bottom club at Gigg Lane.

Wilson fired the hosts in front on 13 minutes, only for Town to hit back before half-time.

But the former England Under-19s hitman struck again on 66 minutes to restore FC’s advantage, and his third – and sixth of the season – two minutes later wrapped up the points.

FC follow Saturday’s home clash with Eastwood with a trip to Prescot Cables on Tuesday night.