Deeping Rangers are beaten by Eastwood CFC in the United Counties League
Manager Brett Whaley wants his Deeping Rangers side to start turning their improved performances into results.
The Clarets again gave a good account of themselves in their home match with United Counties League Premier Division North leaders Eastwood CFC on Saturday.
However, they went down to a 2-0 home defeat and remain at the foot of the table having picked up just one point from their opening nine league games.
Whaley said: "The football was better and we created more chances but we just didn't take them.
"We are improving and I can't question anything that the lads are doing as a group in terms of their work-rate and effort.
"We have to win a game though and you can't just be talking about hard work, effort and their attitudes because it isn't enough.
"The quality with the ball is improving but the quality in the final third and in front of goal has to get better. They know that and it has to happen."
Rangers have netted just one goal from the penalty spot in their four matches since Whaley took over the reins following the departure of Johnny Alflatt with the new boss not ruling out strengthening his side.
He added: "We've looked at this group and said that we want to give them a real go.
"Someone has to stick their hands up though and start putting the ball into the net or we will have to look to see if there is anyone else out there to come in and give the lads some help.
"The confidence factor in front of goal is an issue but there have been lots of positives again.
"I can't keep saying about improved performances though if we're not getting points on the board."
Two second half goals sent Deeping to defeat on Saturday after a determined display against the table-toppers.
Alex Troke headed against the post early on for the Red Badgers while Josh Moreman fired wide for Rangers in an opening half of few chances.
Will Barnes missed a gilt-edged chance for the Clarets after the break following good work from Matt Sparrow before Eastwood broke the deadlock just past the hour mark.
Phil Watt headed the visitors in front from a Declan Dunn corner with the lead being doubled two minutes later when Aaron O'Connor teed up Troke to score and put the contest beyond Deeping.
Whaley commented: "I thought we were really competitive against a side that carries a real threat.
"We didn't let them have easy chances and made them work hard for their goals which is something that we haven't been doing.
"It's always about big moments in games and we created chances at 0-0 where maybe the game was just swinging in our favour.
"They would have to chase the game at that point and we would have had a lead to defend.
"We haven't had to defend a lead yet because we keep giving sides head-starts.
"I think it was better again but we can't get away from the fact that we haven't scored in open play in four games.
"As much as I feel that we are getting better defensively and with the ball, until we start hitting the back of the net on a regular basis then we're not going to win games."
Rangers are in League Cup action tonight (Tuesday) when they host Premier Division South side Eynesbury Rovers with Whaley welcoming the break from league duties.
He said: "It's a real bonus and hopefully we can go out with a bit of freedom and not have the weight of the league on our shoulders.
"I genuinely believe that if we can get an early goal or get ahead in a game, you might see a very different side.
"I'm looking forward to it and hopefully we can get a win on the board."
