TIVIDALE manager Dave King admits he'll have to lift his players this week after their disappointing 3-0 defeat against Boldmere St Michaels.

A mid-week win for fellow strugglers Brocton now means Tivi are back at the bottom of the Midland Football League Premier Division and staring relegation in the face.

King admits the survival fight is a difficult one but says he'll be doing everything he can to make sure his young side don't dwell on the situation.

He said: "Boldmere deserved to win because they took their chances when they came along. I do think the scoreline flattered them a little though.

"We are struggling to learn from our mistakes. We had a golden chance before they scored but missed a one-on-one. Instead they go up the pitch and take the lead from a defensive mistake.

"It is going to be tough now but as a manager it's my responsibility to lift them again.

"The players will need lifting because they were down at full time but we had a really good, constructive chat for 20 minutes.

"I'm working with the lowest budget in the league and we only had one player left from last season. Given that, I actually think we are doing really well to compete each week, but it's still disappointing to be in the position we are in. It helps to know I have the backing of the club.

"Now we're playing for a little bit of pride and aiming to cut out the silly mistakes. We'll just see where that takes us.

"I do know they are a great group of lads that come in and train hard twice a week. They are all young enough to bounce back and I'm confident they'll do exactly that."

Tivi will look for a much needed three points when they host Coventry United at the Beeches this Saturday (3pm kick-off).