HAVING more self-belief is crucial for his struggling Evesham United side to start to climb the Zamaretto League Premier Division table, according to manager Paul West.

The Robins boss admits he has been left frustrated and disappointed by his side’s start to the season.

United lie in 18th place on 14 points from their opening 16 games with four wins, scoring just 12 goals so far.

Now, West’s full-strength side look forward to a league double header, starting with the visit of Chesham United on Saturday (ko 3pm). This is followed by a clash with second-placed Salisbury City on Tuesday (7.45pm).

The last few weeks have also seen numerous arrivals and departures at United.

In has come ex-Worcester City defender Wayne Daniel and they have also been boosted by the return to the club of midfielder Danny Scheppel and striker Samuel Mensah after an ankle injury.

But striker Justin Nisbett and midfielder Simon Fitter have both been released. Loanee Jaime Sheldon returned to Solihull, but has since gone to Leamington.

A free weekend from action for United, due to scheduled opponents Cambridge City’s continued involvement in the FA Trophy, mean West could reflect on his side’s season to date.

He said: “I believe in the players but they have to start believing in themselves.

“There is a good feeling in the camp. It’s important that the players stick together, we need to hit it head on.

“I believe we have the players to go up the table but we have to take one game at a time.

“What’s gone is gone, we’re all in it together. A lack of goals has been one of our problems for the last couple of years.

“We’ve produced some decent build-up play but not performed so well in the final third. But goals aren’t just down to the forwards, the rest of the team has to contribute as well.

“Our threat from set-pieces has also been poor so far this season. Before Danny Scheppel scored against Chippenham, we had missed six penalties this season.

“It’s been frustrating and disappointing so far this season.

“We have had some fantastic highs over the last few years, but we’re having some tough times at the moment.

“There are an awful lot of points to be played for.”