ROYAL Wootton Bassett Town manager Sam Collier believes the key to reversing his side’s poor run of form in Hellenic League Premier Division is to start converting chances that have cost them in recent weeks.

Bassett take on Binfield at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground on Saturday looking to end a five-game winless run that stretches back to before Christmas.

After a three-week gap with no game, Bassett conceded twice in added time last weekend as they lost 2-0 away to Abingdon United, while also missing a penalty earlier on in the match.

Collier stated that performances have been largely dominant, but a lack of cutting edge in front of goal has cost his team valuable points as they hunt for a first-ever top-10 finish.

He said: “We said we wanted to be able to end our poor run last weekend. For large periods of the game, we were in control, but what we’re having a little bit of a problem with at the moment is converting chances.

“We didn’t have that issue at the start of the season, and before Christmas, we were the top scorers in the league, but we’ve struggled to score of late and if you don’t take your chances, it will come back to haunt you.”

Due to Collier’s side being well in front of most other teams in terms of fixtures played, Bassett have only played three times since the new year began and, consequently, he believes it has adversely affected his players’ match sharpness.

He said: “The break certainly hasn’t helped us in terms of momentum and having the ability to consistently train, but the game last week helped a bit and we’re all back up to speed.

“Last Saturday, we were a little bit rusty and it was a poor performance in some respects, but we’re all ready to set the record straight on Saturday and we’re all looking forward to it.

“Our strikers may be out of nick because the fixture list is so ridiculous. We’ve had three weeks off and the lads lose a bit of that sharpness in front of goal.

“It’s not just the strikers, though, it’s everyone – we’ve missed three penalties in our last three games.”

Meanwhile, Collier has added ex-Swindon Town and Swindon Supermarine goalkeeper, Matthew Bulman to his coaching staff until the end of the season, citing his knowledge and passion for the game as a significant factor in his decision.

Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Fairford Town travel to Flackwell Heath while Shrivenham are without a game this weekend.

In Division One West, Swindon New College travel to Cheltenham Saracens, while Malmesbury Victoria are in Supplementary Cup action at Stokenchurch.