DENIS Underwood is asking the Great Harwood fans to be patient as his side look to stop a run of six NWCL Division One defeats.

His side crashed out of the Marsden Trophy to Second Division Darwen on Tuesday night and they hope to bounce back at high flying Kidsgrove tomorrow.

"The supporters don't always understand what goes on at a football club behind the scenes," said the Harwood chief.

"They were booing because I took Adam Tempest off on Tuesday and said he was the best player but he is only a young lad who has come from the East Lancs League and he was shattered.

"He was making his debut and had run himself into the ground and fans don't always see that.

Underwood is trying to get his team right but is struggling as he introduces young and inexperienced players into the side.

"It is easy to bring in new players when you are winning but it is hard when you are struggling - but that is what I need to do. But there are still 30 games left and there is the time to put things right.

"At the start of the season Harwood got some sponsorship and all the money went on the facilities and I agree with this.

"We need our showers fixing and that is where the money needs to be spent.

"I will keep plugging away on the team and I don't think there is any need to panic yet."

Neil Baron and Neil Kennedy are struggling with injuries while Andy Clarkson is still a week away from fitness.

"Paul Whalley is a good player but has only played two games for me because of injuries and Martin Horsfield played the first half of the first game of the season, got injured, and now needs an operation," continued Underwood.

"I know every team has injuries but these are key players."