PHIL Starbuck has called for a more ruthless approach from his players as they battle to climb out of the relegation zone.

The Leigh RMI boss says his side are "raring to go" at Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday after an enforced two week break because last week's game was postponed with Gravesend in FA Cup action.

"The principle we have stressed is be more ruthless defensively and not concede goals at silly times," said Starbuck.

"We are getting closer to what we are trying to achieve, but we can only take it a step at a time. I also want them to be ruthless on the ball, as I would like to see them keep it a little bit better.

"The break has been a double edged sword. It has been frustrating not having a game, but it has given us the chance to work on certain aspects of the team. I hope we can put to bed the little tag we were getting of conceding goals in the last few minutes of the game.

"We are competing against full-time teams and that is something we have to deal with. The lads have worked extremely hard and been thoroughly professional in their application.

"We need to pick points up. If we can get a result we can try to climb out of the bottom three, which would be a massive boost for everybody.

"Dagenham will be looking to get one back over on us, after we beat them in the opening game of the season, but we are looking to get the first six points of the season."