A BLANK weekend gave New Brighton time to reflect on the season to date.

Certainly the results in North Two West do not reflect the squad’s potential with everyone knowing only too well there must be a big improvement if a top- two finish is to become a possibility.

The Blues showed their capabilities with a fine win over leaders Rochdale in their last outing, but in other matches they have under achieved leaving chief coach Steve Dorrington utterly perplexed.

Saturday sees a He will be hoping the players produce the right attitude this Saturday in tough engagement at Rossendale. The Lancashire club is unbeaten in the division with six wins and two draws and gained an excellent cup win over Stockport in their latest outing.

"There is a good mood about the place at the moment," said Steve. "It was an incredible turn around against Rochdale after the previous performance. We played really well. The players are looking to build on that result although they know it will not be easy at Rossendale."

Sean Ellis missed training through injury this week but otherwise Dorrington has a full squad to choose from with some big decisions to be made as the Army contingent become available for selection again.

Meanwhile there has been a change in captaincy in the second team. Adam Baird has stood down from the second team captaincy due to work commitments with which have prevented him attending training sessions but he intends to still make himself available on match days.

Jim Yarranton taking over. has agreed to take the lead role for the remainder of the campaign.

The second team has done well recently with four wins after a major struggle during the opening few weeks.

NEXT GAME: Rossendale v New Brighton, North Two West, November 29.