There was much more spirit from the team last Saturday and a much better atmosphere in the rink but we all know - fans and players - that we've got to get that so important home win to kick start our season. When we get that, confidence will start to flow and we can start to build momentum.

I jokingly referred in the post-match radio interview to "The Herd in the Third". This is a saying the guys have about how we seem to pick things up in the third period. But we've got to put a stop to the mistakes we're making early in the game, mistakes in the wrong areas, mistakes that are costing us goals.

There's not a lot we can do about injuries, or suspensions or how a game is called. This week's practice has to concentrate on those areas of our game where we are not helping ourselves.

Braffer's injury we've just got to look at day by day. Everyone else is fit and we won't have anyone flying in jet-lagged - though having watched Matt Miller play his first game for us he made it look like it's not such a bad way to prepare for a game. He was fast, hitting well and brought an energy that promises well for the rest of the season.

Players who have returned knew what to expect from the fans. The new players have realised pretty quickly that they're lucky to be playing in front of fans who are going to support them through difficult times. Maybe battling through this losing streak will bring the players even closer together and make the good times ahead all the sweeter, for all of us.

Let's see what improvements we can make with a week's practice without any distractions. We can brush up on basics and maybe have a close look at the lines we are are playing at the moment.

I know it's my job to get the best out of the team, and that if changes are necessary I will make them. It's not something any coach likes having to do, but we've got to look forward this weekend to a stampede, not a stumble.

Let's make the ice rink the noisiest and most exciting place to be on Saturday in Basingstoke