Stamford AFC entertain Stratford Town in the Southern League Premier Division Central

Upbeat boss Graham Drury is urging his Stamford side to keep believing as they attempt to turn their season around in a home double-header.

The Daniels host Stratford Town on Saturday before a home match with Barwell at the Zeeco Stadium which has been moved to next weekend following both sides’ exit from the FA Trophy.

Stamford are still seeking their first win of the Southern League Premier Division Central campaign after 10 matches.

They have drawn four of those games but remain at the foot of the table despite the players giving their all for the club and manager.

Drury said: "I'm trying to help the boys as much as I can with all of my experience. I'm very jovial and upbeat about the situation. There is no negativity coming from it.

"All we can do is keep going and be ready for when that tide turns or a bit of luck falls on us.

"I did say to the chairman that, if I felt those lads were not playing for me and giving me absolutely everything, then I would walk away.

"It's just not falling for us at the moment though and I'm sure that when that first win happens then we'll be on a roll.

"It's like a big cloud which we can't shake off and the lads deserve more. The performance, work-rate and effort right to the very end of games has been unbelievable.

"We've got to keep going and keep believing.

"They have stuck to our game plans which shows how much they believe in me. They're running through brick walls and I couldn't have asked for any more of them."

Stamford went down to a 2-0 away defeat at Bromsgrove Sporting on Tuesday night despite creating the lion's share of the chances after a long midweek trip.

Fletcher Toll and Kai Tonge were both denied by outstanding saves from home goalkeeper Adam Harrison while Elliott Durrell and Kyle Rowley also came close to scoring.

A spectacular strike from Gus Sanches nine minutes before half-time gave Bromsgrove the lead before Brad Stretton sealed their success late on.

Drury commented: "I thought we might be leggy after putting so much energy into the Macclesfield game on Saturday and then travelling a couple of hours for a midweek match after a day's work.

"I was a bit worried that we might struggle to get going but we were at it, moving the ball and it was pure domination.

"They scored just out of the blue with a great finish and that win is just eluding us for some reason.

"Apart from the second half at St Ives and after going a goal down against Spalding, I think we've been the better side in every other game.

"The four points that we've taken are all against sides in the top nine and we've been well in those games to have won them."

Stamford's FA Cup run had come to an end at the weekend after a 1-0 away loss at National League North side Macclesfield.

Home skipper Paul Dawson netted the winning goal in the first half of the fourth qualifying round clash.

Drury added: "I was so proud of the boys.

"I went up to watch Macclesfield the previous week and I set my stall out to have an attacking force against a side where everyone goes there and sits behind the ball.

"The lads worked their socks off and, although they did hit the bar twice and the post once, we had them on the ropes in the second half.

"We were right in it until the very last kick of the game and we now have to use that as togetherness and fuel.

"We've got to stick together and get through it. I'm sure we can go on a bit of a roll but it's got to come and it's got to come soon.

"I don't care how bad we play in a game as long as we sneak a win because I know what it will do for the dressing room."

Attacker Cameron Johnson has departed the Daniels to join Northern Premier League Midlands Division side Anstey Nomads.