BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent boss Tom Rothery wants his players to rediscover their spark and confidence in the closing weeks of the Bostik League campaign.

The R’s lost 3-0 at Carshalton Athletic last weekend and, after three consecutive draws prior to that, are without a victory since defeating Kingstonian on February 23.

Rothery admits it is proving a difficult spell and that his players lacked belief in Saturday’s defeat at the War Memorial Sports Ground.

However, he believes things can turn in a heartbeat and would love to see them record a morale-boosting victory against premier division leaders Dorking Wanderers at the Taydal Stadium on Saturday.

“Our confidence levels have dipped,” said the R’s boss.

“The goals have dried up and, unfortunately, we’re not playing with the same belief that we were a few weeks ago.

“It’s a bit of a difficult spell and people will put two and two together and blame the news that came out last week, about our budget being reduced next season.

“There are things going on off the pitch and I agree it probably doesn’t help, but that’s not the reason we lost on Saturday.

“My attitude, commitment and determination levels haven’t changed and nor have those of (assistant manager) Pip (Boyland).

“Hopefully it’s the same for the players.”

After conceding just before half-time on Saturday, Carshalton’s Omar Koroma grabbed two more goals in the last nine minutes to seal an emphatic-looking 3-0 victory.

“It was frustrating,” said Rothery.

“Carshalton are a very good side and I knew how difficult it would be based on our first game against them, earlier in the season.

“They also went into the game on the back of a really strong run.

“Their first goal was sloppy from our point of view, because it stemmed from us losing the ball.

“We created some good opportunities in the first half but were too passive out of possession and while in the second half we were better in possession, we lacked urgency, belief and killer instinct in the final third.

“We’re not playing with the same confidence that we were four to six weeks ago.

“We don’t look as clinical and there’s no magic wand in terms of remedying that situation.

“We just have to keep working hard and hope to finish the season strongly.”

After Saturday’s date with Dorking, Regent travel to Bognor Regis Town and Burgess Hill.

Leatherhead pay a visit on April 20 before a trip to Bishop’s Stortford on Easter Monday and then a final-day fixture at home to Enfield Town.

“We’ve got a tough run-in with matches against sides pushing for the play-offs but I’m not daunted by that,” said Rothery.

“It’s a test and a challenge and I enjoy that scenario.

“It’s something to be embraced, not feared.”