Andy Pratt says optimism over Canterbury Rugby Club’s improved performances will mean nothing unless it’s turned into National 2 South points.

The city club slipped into the relegation zone after a 20-12 defeat to Worthing at Merton Lane on Saturday – a fourth straight defeat for Pratt’s men, who have now won just two of their last 10 games to lie just two points from safety.

The head coach said: “We weren’t good enough with the ball and our set-pieces and scrum were dreadful but defensively and in terms of character and application, nobody could have any complaints. I was proud.”

He added: “There were positives and there are lots of grounds for optimism.We have Charlie Harding back and Ricky Mackintosh regaining match fitness but we need to turn the positives into points on the board.

“We are running out of games and need a big win. We have a lot of young players who need the belief which they can take from winning a big game. We came close the other day.

“We deserved a bonus point. Last year we picked those up and even when we lost we kept things ticking over. We’ve gone four games without a point and need to work hard to take points.

“Once you have got that win, the belief will start to come.”

On Saturday, third-placed Taunton visit Merton Lane where Canterbury have lost three of their last five at their traditional stronghold.

Pratt added: “Our home form has always been a source of security for us but we don’t have that right now. We’ve had some tremendous support, though and the boys want to do it for the crowd.”

Alex Veale misses out with a foot injury meaning Harding is likely to start at centre after his return from Tonbridge Juddians.