RADCLIFFE FC need to go back to basics, according to manager Joe Gibbons, after their difficult start to the season continued this week.

Boro were knocked out of the FA Cup on Saturday after losing 3-1 at Evo-Stik Premier leaders Shaw Lane in the first qualifying round.

They followed that up with a fifth straight defeat in the league on Tuesday night, losing 4-1 at Hyde United.

The result left Gibbons’ men second bottom in Evo-Stik North ahead of Saturday’s visit of play-off chasers Tadcaster Albion.

Yet, despite the run of bad results, the Boro boss believes his side are playing well and just need to cut out “basic errors” to turn their form around.

“We have struggled to put out a settled side and that has led to quite a few communication breakdowns,” said Gibbons.

“Almost every goal we conceded this week was down to basic errors.

“We need to cut them out before we can turn the corner.

“That means going back to basics.

“I have got no problem with our attacking play, but being great going forward is all well and good unless you get the basics right.”

Gibbons believes returning players will cut down the communication problems behind the majority of the mix-ups that have blighted his defence.

He has been forced to use three goalkeepers this season, starting with Adriano on a short-term deal then playing reserve stopper Kyle Haslam while first-choice keeper Ryan Jones recovered from a work-related injury.

Jones returned on Tuesday night and should be fit for the game against Tadcaster.