NIGEL Penney has called for an immediate response from Tivi’s players following last week’s disappointing 1-0 defeat at Goole AFC.

‘Dale were below par last weekend in which was only their second defeat in all competitions since Christmas Day but the former Halesowen Town forward is looking for a quick return to winning ways against Rainworth Miners Welfare tomorrow afternoon at The Beeches (KO 15:00).

He said “We struggled throughout last week. It was one of those days where the game looked it was certain to finish goalless but they got the penalty right at the death and we never had time to recover.

“We’ve been on a great run of form and I hope we can get back to winning ways tomorrow, particularly playing at home.”

Penney, 24, struck the post in last week’s defeat at Goole and insists ‘Dale will need to be at their best tomorrow given struggling Rainworth’s fine victory against high flying Sutton Coldfield Town last week.

“It was an excellent three points for them, wasn’t it? But like we have always stressed, there are no easy games at this level and we need to be at our best every week if we’re to win games.

“I’m looking forward to tomorrow and hopefully we can take all three points. It’s going to be a big day here with the ‘SHOWDOWN SATURDAY’ that’s been organised and hopefully we’ll all have something to smile about.”