DALE’s Joint Manager Ross Thorpe concedes that the lack of goals is having a negative impact on the current run of form, both in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League and during Saturday’s narrow 1-0 defeat in the Emirates FA Cup at the hands of local rivals Stourbridge.

Tivi played three home fixtures in the space of seven days, without scoring once, and Thorpe admits it’s a cause for concern for both himself and Phil Male.

“We are not working the opposing goalkeeper anywhere near enough,” said the 34-year-old.

“Is it the forwards who are at fault? No. It’s a collective problem. We’re not creating enough clear cut opportunities and we need to work on that in training.”

Mark Danks and Joel Ayettey had chances to equalise in the closing stages of the defeat against Stourbridge on Saturday and the former Alvechurch boss knows that the goals need to start flowing sooner rather than later.

“When the chances come, we need to start taking them. I believe the reason we currently sit at the bottom of our respective league is not only due to individual errors, but we have also squandered a number of very good goalscoring opportunities in those games, too.

“Every team goes through periods like this but we need to start improving in the final third of the pitch.”

Thorpe praised his players for the overall performance during the defeat that condemned Dale to their FA Cup exit, and insists more is to come in the coming games from the team as they prepare for tomorrow night’s Doodson Cup fixture with Stafford Rangers at The Beeches (KO 19:45).

“I thought the lads worked extremely hard and on another day we may have nicked the goal that would have taken the tie to a replay.

“Stourbridge are a very good side. Pierpoint, Dodd and Tonks are good players. Karl Hawley played professionally for Preston North End not so long ago.

“We worked hard, probably showed them too much respect early doors but when we settled into the game, I thought we played okay.”

Dale were defeated in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League by tomorrow evening’s visitors Stafford Rangers last Tuesday and Thorpe expects Neil Kitching to play a full strength side.

“Neil may decide to rest one or two, but he has an abundance of excellent players for this level of football.

“Let’s be honest, he brought (Christian) Dacres off the bench last Tuesday night. That’s the difference for us right now.

“However, we matched Stafford Rangers for long periods last week and, if we approach the game in the same manner, then we can win the game, particularly playing at home.”