WORCESTERSHIRE will rediscover their one-day touch with the pressure on to fight relegation, according to expectant head coach Steve Rhodes.

The Royals' Division One status in the totesport League is in jeopardy following Tuesday's 38-run defeat to Northamptonshire at New Road.

Northants were superior in all departments as Worcestershire sank to their sixth defeat in 10 games.

Just four points separate the bottom-five clubs with Lancashire and Gloucestershire holding two games in hand on sixth-placed Worcestershire.

Rhodes slammed his side's performance against Northants and admits their form this season has been patchy. But he believes a scrap for survival should bring about a marked improvement.

"If we look at the whole season, we've been far from consistent," said Rhodes. "And we've been very patchy in the last couple of weeks.

"But we are working very hard to sort out our one-day cricket. We've a busy time ahead in terms of winning games and I'm still backing us to do it.

"The pressure is on coming towards the close of the season and the challenge gets bigger."

Rhodes added: "In every single department, Northants played better than us and showed greater discipline. We did not really get into the contest at any stage. Nothing was said in the dressing room after the game and I think at times that's good.

"I say that because we've done a lot of talking over the last month or so, in prep-meetings and post-match meetings. Now is the time to produce."

Worcestershire return to totesport League action on August 21 at home to Hampshire.