GOATACRE captain Brad Dawson wants to see his side put together a more assured first innings as they look to kick-start their campaign in Premier Two.

The Goatacre Lane side go into tomorrow’s clash with fellow strugglers Chard buoyed by their 28-run victory over Great Bedwyn in the National Village Cup last Sunday.

But Dawson has been concerned by how his side have begun matches which has been leaving them too much do after the change around.

“We have been letting teams off the hook,” he said. “We have been giving ourselves too much to do in the second innings.

“Against Thornbury we had them 90-5 when they were chasing 180 and they managed to knock them off.

“When we played Potterne they got 200 on an Okayish wicket and we got skittled.”

Dawson has been pleased with how Craig Gibbens has found some form with the ball of late.

“Gibbo had been struggling with the ball at the start of the season,” the Goatacre captain said. “But he bowled really well on Sunday.

“But along with Matt House, he bowled really well on Sunday and that we good to see.

“If we can build on Sunday’s win then that will be great - we need to keep on winning.”

Dawson will welcome back his opening batsman Ed Kilbee and strike bowler Giorgio Rigali for tomorrow’s visit of Chard after they sat out Sunday’s cup success, replacing Chris Chapman and Dan Horton.

And Dawson will also be hoping that his side can continue their impressive home form given that both their successes this term have come at their own ground.

“We love playing at home,” he said. “We have such a good record there over the last three or four years.

“It is a small ground and anything can happen for either side, a nine or 10 can come in and fancy their chances.”