BOSS Ross Thorpe says he won't allow his Tividale players to dwell on Monday's defeat to Market Drayton as attention quickly turns to this Saturday's clash with Gresley.

Tivi had enjoyed a fruitful week until the 3-0 defeat at Market Drayton dampened their spirits.

The Dale had secured their first win of the season with a thrilling 4-3 home success against Rugby last Tuesday before backing that up with a 1-0 FA Cup win over Hanley at the Beeches last Saturday.

That cup success handed Tivi a tie against local rivals Stourbridge in the next round.

However, Thorpe says he is looking no further than the weekend's battle with Gresley, who currently sit just three places above on the same amount of points.

"We have done really well recently but it does feel like we undid all that work by losing to Market Drayton," said Thorpe.

"All we can do now is move on because Gresley is a big game for us.

"The signs are all there for us and we have shown great character.

"Our games have been settled by the smallest of margins at the moment and we have to come to terms with that.

"One win and the league looks completely different because of how close everything is.

"Our aim now is to try to reproduce our best form and go again."

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Tom Turner and defender Jacob Barnes will be sidelined for Saturday's game after colliding against Hanley.

Turner, who suffered a broken nose, will be absent for three weeks while the concussed Barnes will be missing for two.

Thorpe and fellow joint-boss Phil Male have brought in Chris Jay from Coleshill as cover for Turner's lay-off.