SEDGLEY Park assistant coach Steve Hazzelby wants his players to channel their frustrations in a positive way when they host Luctonians on Saturday.

The Tigers lost just their second game of the season last weekend on the road at Loughborough Students – and that came after the much-anticipated clash against National Two North leaders Caldy the previous weeks was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

It means the Tigers are desperate to get back to winning ways but Hazzelby knows his side need to show patience this weekend.

He told the club’s website: “We are at home to Luctonians – a team we have played many times in the past.

“We are looking for a big improvement after last Saturday and we know that this is going to be a hard game and that we will have to be at our best to take the points.

“It has been a frustrating two weeks for the players, coaches and management.

“Two weeks ago we were due to play a much-anticipated home game against old rivals Caldy in a top-of-the-table clash.

“We had trained well in the week previous and were well prepared for the challenge.

“Unfortunately the incessant rain in the two days leading up to the game meant that the pitch was unfit and the game was called off.

“Then, last Saturday, we were on the road away to Loughborough Students and went down to a disappointing defeat.”

Tries from Mark Goodman and Tom Ailes in the first half, along with an Oli Glasse penalty, gave Sedgley impetus but they went in at the break 16-13 down after a converted try and three penalties to the hosts.

Jamie Harrison bagged a third try for Sedgley with seven minutes to go but it turned out to be just a consolation.

Hazzelby added: “They had seen a mixed start to the season with four wins and four losses.

“Despite this we were taking nothing for granted against a team who had come down from National League One and are always difficult to play against at their ground.

“We started well with a penalty from Oli Glasse after six minutes but the students to their credit hit back with a penalty and converted try.

“We came back with a try from second-row Mark Goodman and one from number eight Tom Ailes to put us back in the game but Loughborough kicked another two penalties.

“It was a frustrating half of rugby with too many basic mistakes, unnecessary penalties and not controlling possession.

“The second half was much the same as the first with one try apiece.

“We scored a well-worked try for winger Jamie Harrison but, unfortunately, we could not add the conversion and the students took the honours.

“We did get a losing bonus point but this was a very disappointing loss for the players and they know that we have to be more consistent in our performance if we are to challenge for top spot.”