RADCLIFFE Borough boss Paul McGuire hopes changes to the training regime at Stainton Park will help boost his struggling side as they bid to avoid relegation from Evo-Stik Division One North.

Nineteenth-placed Boro, who are just seven points above the drop zone, followed up last week's disappointing 4-0 defeat at Clitheroe with another lacklustre performance in a 3-0 loss at promotion-chasing Farsley on Saturday, prompting the Boro boss to admit his side needed to be better prepared for games.

"We didn't defend very well and we didn't have much of a threat up front again either," said McGuire.

"Farsley probably had five chances all game and scored three, all from headers.

"We weren't carved apart but the fact we couldn't deal with those deeper balls and crosses into the box was a bit worrying."

Following the defeat, McGuire and fellow coaches ID and Iayn Lyndley decided hiring a full-sized training pitch at Partington Sports Village on a Wednesday night would benefit the squads preparation.

"We only ever train on a small seven-a-side court at Stainton Park", said McGuire.

"It's an historical problem. The squad play with a lot of heart and character but really the setup is poor.

"The kind of players we have need coaching, guidance and they need to practice, so from now on we will have a training session at Partington on a Wednesday and our regular session at Stainton Park on a Thursday.

"On the full-sized pitch we will be able to work on set play and defending crosses. We will be able to attack and defend full sized goalsand that will help us be better prepared for matchdays."

The Stainton Park outfit were dealt a blow this week with the news that versatile defensive midfielder Dave Sherlock could be missing for six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury in the loss at Farsley. They will also be without defender Richard Smith who begins a three-match suspension following his red card against Salford City on Boxing Day.

However, McGuire's men are boosted by the return of Danny White and Ash Blake for the home game against fellow strugglers Brighouse on Saturday.

"I'm gutted about Sherlock," said McGuire.

"He's been influential for us in central midfield and Smith has been an ever present in the backline so that's also a bit disappointing.

"However, having Danny and Ash back from three match suspensions is like having new faces in the squad and new signings are also on the cards."

Despite Boro's precarious position, McGuire is refusing to get too concerned with the prospect of a relegation battle.

"I still think there are worst teams in this league," he said.

"We are still fourth from bottom which isn't a bad place to be.

"Realistically if someone gave us fourth from bottom now I'd take it.

"The season starts here. We've got to treat every game as a cup final now and really have a go."