UNITED boss Phil Mullen now has the difficult task of raising his side's spirits ahead of a tough Dr Martens League schedule.

He will be buoyed by the knowledge that weekend absentees Nathan Jukes, Shaun Pratt and Mark Wolsey could all be back in contention for a place in the starting line-up at Rugby on Saturday and at Redditch on Tuesday night (7.30).

"We've certainly got to reflect on the last two results and try and turn things round," Mullen acknowledged. "The returning players should inject some enthusiasm into the side but we have got to make sure we get something out of the next two games."

Looking back at Saturday's sorry show, the Common Road chief said: "The players were disappointed in themselves. There was great vocal support and we let them down. They pressed us a lot better and started well and it was difficult for us after conceding two sloppy goals."

Mullen concluded that the next two weeks will be a 'big test' for the players but he is confident the current slide can be corrected. Suspended Matt Gardiner will sit out the Rugby match.

A rearranged league game at Warwick on Saturday, November 2 will mean Mullen's charges will have played seven out of eight matches on opposition territory. That will become eight out of nine with the trip to Merthyr on November 9!

The club's youth teamers are also on the road with a Worcestershire FA Youth Cup first round tie at Handrahan Timbers next Wednesday. Extra-time and penalties will be played if necessary.

Club chairman Jim Cockerton perhaps put his finger on the reason for Saturday's poor showing.

"It's not the first time this season that we have struggled away from home," he reflected. "We don't seem to travel well. It was the same at Taunton, Brislington and Falmouth. We've got to ensure that we get more home draws next season!"