LEE Casswell has demanded improved discipline from his Leek Town charges as the Blues boss aims to plot a course up the First Division South table.
The Harrison Park outfit languish third from bottom after suffering a 6-1 reverse at table-topping Coalville on Saturday. Town's cause was not helped by the first half dismissal of Matt Bell. And the Blues will be without influential defender Danny Smith for this weekend's crunch clash with lowly Lincoln United following his red card at Altrincham.
"The biggest issue is discipline," insisted Casswell. "We are getting players booked and getting players sent of - it's causing us problems. At 2-1 down with 11 men we could have got something from Coalville. We were causing them problems as much as we were causing us problems.
"It's key especially when we are away from home with players surrounding the referee and the crowd going crazy. But I still believe in the players we have got and look forward to picking three points up at Lincoln."
Casswell admits that automatic promotion has already become a tough ask after picking up just seven points from the opening seven league games. But with matches in hand on all their Evo-Stik rivals just two wins could rocket the Blues all the way up to sixth.
"It (the table) does not look good," admitted Casswell. "It's a shock to us as much as anyone else. We are the ones going to get it right and that's what we are going to do.
"One thing we can't do is feel sorry for ourselves. I still feel this squad is capable of pushing for the play-offs. We have not brought these players in not to achieve what we achieve last season - and I thought we might go one better.
"Our start has given us a problem. We have to stick together and get through it. I just feel we just need a little bit of a break in a game. I do think then we'll push on and win games."
A coach to Lincoln will leave Harrison Park at 10.30am with a pick-up at Catchems Corner at 11am. For details and seat availability contact Margaret on 01538 386356.
Meanwhile, Leek Town chairman Andrew Wain and safety officer Andy Reeves led from the front on Saturday as Blues fans answered the call for volunteers to help tear down the existing pitch perimeter fence at Harrison Park. Workmen from Leek-based firm Nixon Reeves Building and Joinery Contractors also chipped in while engineers began the process of erecting a new fence and dugouts on Monday.
Wain said: "I'd like to thank all those who volunteered and worked so hard during the day - including Nixon and Reeves who carted tons of rubble to the new Salisbury's site where Mace Contractors disposed of it all."
