WOOLSTON Rovers will not be treating newcomers Gateshead Storm as 'easy beats' in their preparations for Saturday's National Conference League Division Three clash at Monks Sports Club, kick off 2.30pm.

Storm have conceded an average 51 points per game in four losses so far, while Rovers seek a return to winning ways after defeat at high-flying Stanningley.

“If we can get a win then that will help us to get our confidence back," said head coach John Fieldhouse.

“Gateshead haven’t had the best of starts since stepping up to this level but we will not take them lightly. If we play like I know we are capable of then there is no reason why we won’t get the victory.”

Rovers have slipped to sixth place after successive defeats but Fieldhouse saw good signs in the performance at Stanningley.

“That was a much-improved team performance but we just came up short in the key middle part of the second half," said Fieldhouse.

“We played really well and caused Stanningley all sorts of problems. It looked as though we would go eight points clear in the second half but we dropped the ball over the line and that lifted Stanningley’s spirits.

“I am happier than this time last week but we have still got lots more we can improve on."

Rovers A travel to Rochdale Mayfield A on Saturday in the NWML Division Two looking to bounce back from the defeat against Bury Broncos in the NWML Trophy last Saturday.

Coach Andy Addison was disappointed that his side had gone out of the competition but is keen to put that behind him and look forward to getting back to league action.

He said: “We had plenty of chances to win the game but failed to capitalise on them and Bury took advantage of some ill-discipline to pull clear after half time.

“We cannot afford to dwell on that defeat and we need to bounce back this week at Mayfield.

“Games are always tough when we go there and I am sure that Saturday will be no different but if we can go there with the right attitude then we will have a great chance of getting the win.”