PHIL Male has called for patience as Tivi’s new look squad remain in search of their first points of the new season ahead of tonight’s EVO-STIK Northern Premier League fixture with Rugby Town at The Beeches (KO 19:45).

Although Male accepts Dale need to start picking up points soon, the 36-year-old also wants Tivi’s fans to remain patient with the players as they gel together in the coming weeks.

“I know we need to get off the mark, but I don’t think we’re far away in terms of results,” said the former Sutton Coldfield Town defender.

“But I want people to remain patient with the players, get behind them tonight, and hopefully we can claim a positive result.

“It’s going to be an interesting game tonight. Gary (Mills) has Rugby well organised and they’ve had a fairly solid start to the season so far.”

Dale entertain Hanley Town in the FA Cup on Saturday before returning to league action on Bank Holiday Monday at Market Drayton Town, and Male believes the cup competition could well be a welcome break from the pressure of the league schedule for his players, adding: “Everybody loves the FA Cup and if we take confidence from tonight then that would be the perfect preparation.

“Having said that, you take one game at a time and we won’t even discuss the Hanley game until we’ve played tonight. We have a busy, busy schedule in terms of games in the coming weeks and I’d like to think we will be in a better position in terms of points on the board by the time these cluster of games have been played.

“I and Ross (Thorpe) have been pleased in general with the players – I think it’s quite clear that individual errors have been the thorn in our side so far. We need to cut out those mistakes and start punishing mistakes at the top end of the pitch, too.”