IT'S only a matter of time until Tividale's hard-working players get rewarded for their efforts, says manager Ross Thorpe.

A 2-1 away defeat at Spalding United last Saturday means Tivi currently sit bottom of the Northern League's Division One South table after failing to pick up a point from their first three fixtures.

However, Thorpe and fellow boss Phil Male have backed their side to chalk up a win sooner rather than later.

Thorpe said: "The players are working so hard at the moment and have been in every game they have played. They have proved they are more than capable.

"They have not got the results that their performances and work-rate has deserved but hopefully it won't be far away now.

"The players are hurting because they want to be winning games.

"We now need to keep believing that it will come together. It was never going to happen overnight after putting a whole new squad together but the signs are there that with just a little bit of luck we should be able to get off the mark.

"There is do doubt that we have the talent within the team. If we mirror the effort and attitude we have shown already then we will start winning games."

Tivi made it hard for themselves last Saturday when they handed Spalding a lead in the second minute of the contest.

Defender Neal Spafford rose unmarked to head home a Dan Lawlor corner.

Dale showed their character to hit back early in the second half as left back Jason Chilton found Ashley Jackson at the far post to head past Spalding keeper Michael Duggan.

But it proved in vain for Thorpe and Male's side as the hosts hit a winner on 77 minutes when, following another Lawlor corner, Adam Millson’s shot was brilliantly blocked by Tom Turner but the ball fell to Josh Moreman and he fired home.

Tivi are set to take on Rugby Town tonight night before welcoming Hanley Town to The Beeches for the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup this Saturday.

The Dale were handed a major incentive for victory against Hanley when being drawn against neighbours Stourbridge in the first qualifying round.

Should Tivi get through, the derby clash with the Glassboys would be played on September 12 at 3pm, subject to final confirmation.