LUCTONIANS Head Coach Ryan Watkins says that his side 'must win' their home fixture against fellow strugglers Otley on Saturday (2.15pm ko).

The Kingsland based side have had a torrid time in recent weeks suffering eight National League 2 defeats on the bounce- a run which has seen them slip to fourth from bottom and a single point above the relegation zone.

Otley have suffered similar fortunes after winning their opening two games they have been beaten nine times in their last 11 games.

Watkins is confident his side can return to the form against their Yorkshire visitors and knows that the Mortimer Park crowd will be expectant of a victory.

"They (Otley) are not doing particularly well and they have got to travel down here so that is something we can target," said Watkins.

"We are getting better performance wise, the squad is looking quite strong and is training well. Playing a game like this at home is a must win and there is no excuse because we know what is expected.

"The whole squad is working well and we have been unlucky in the last two home games loosing to a drop goal against South Leicester. We were leading until the last five minutes against Tynedale but let it slip.

"So we are not far away from the win if we keep doing what we have been doing. We have a squad that hasn't got too many injuries and is on the up. There is a buzz in training and the lads are enjoying what they are doing."

Last weekend Luctonians were due to travel to Macclesfield only for the game to be postponed due to snow and freezing conditions.

With the weather due to improve Watkins hopes that Saturday's game won't fall to a similar fate.

He added: "Hopefully the game is on as it would be a shame to have two weeks in a row postponed.

"It was a big game against Macclesfield and we had been preparing quite well and training well recently. So it was disappointing to have the game called off but the writing was on the wall and it was out of our hands."

It is the first of two home games before Christmas for Luctonians with Stourbridge also visiting on (December 23).

Stourbridge had been runaway league leaders after winning their opening nine matches, but have since lost three and drawn one.

"Stourbridge's form hasn't been good and we know that is something we can target," added Watkins.

"It is a local derby for us in this league and we are expecting a decent support with it being the last game before Christmas. Hopefully it will be two wins which will put us back on track for the New Year."