Barkingside manager Alex Goldstone insists his side are going in the right direction ahead of their clash with rivals Ilford despite suffering two defeats in his first week in charge.
Side will welcome tenants Ilford to their joint-home Cricklefield Stadium on Saturday as they still search for their first win of the Essex Senior League campaign.
And although they lost 2-0 to Southend Manor and 3-0 to Redbridge this week, the new boss is pleased and believes his side’s performances are improving.
“We’re going in the right direction, I was disappointed with the Southend Manor loss as we didn’t create any chances, but in the Redbridge match we created plenty of chances,” Goldstone said.
“Hopefully Saturday we’ll get our first points on the board.”
The Romford director of football is also hoping the derby occasion will spur everyone on, but insists they must focus on themselves not opponents.
“Another local derby for the club, so of course we’re looking forward to it, but I’m looking forward to all of the games coming up,” he added.
Martin Haywood’s Ilford side have lost their last three fixtures in the league, but Goldstone insists their own form is the focus of his concentration – instead of reading into recent form guides.
“I think we need to concentrate on ourselves at the minute rather than looking at teams being on certain runs because I’m sure everyone looks at our run when they come up against Barkingside,” he said.
Goldstone also says the mentality in the changing room and among the players has to be changed as they have not won in 18 league matches.
He added: “It’s the mentality of the players. We’re trying to get that out of them and stop them having that losing mindset.
“Some of the boys in there have got their heads in their hands and it’s difficult to try and pick them up. We’ve got our first training together on Thursday, so hopefully we can get a good session under our belts and go from there.
“I’m positive once we get that first result we will go from strength to strength as a team.”
Barkingside are also hoping to make a few new additions to the squad ahead of the weekend. If not, they will introduce a few players during their two-week break after Saturday’s fixture.
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