MARK Patterson paid tribute to his team's battling performance against Morecambe -- and called for more of the same against Conference high-fliers Stevenage Borough.

Patterson praised his players for their gutsy display against the Shrimps -- despite the Railwaymen going down to a late penalty on Tuesday.

The RMI manager was particularly pleased with his team's improved defensive display -- after a poor performance in last Saturday's draw against Tamworth.

And he wants his players to reproduce the same level of performance from their midweek defeat -- for Saturday's tough away day trip to Stevenage.

Patterson said: "It was a very good performance from my players against Morecambe. The overall shape of the team was good, and we were very resolute in defence. We played extremely well for 86 minutes, considering Morecambe hadn't been beaten at home for nine games. I thought that both penalties given were never penalties.

"We have to go to Stevenage and set out our stall again. I want us to produce the same 90 minutes from Tuesday's game."

Patterson faces a selection headache -- Martyn Lancaster begins a three match suspension. He joins Neil Robinson on the sidelines who looks unlikely to play again for RMI during the remainder of his loan spell.

Gary Kelly and Paul Shepherd are struggling to be fit for the weekend clash.

But Gerry Harrison makes a welcome return. He played for RMI's reserves last night and will go straight into the squad.