Give Workington time - Rotheram

Workington Town coach Dave Rotheram has dismissed claims his side will struggle in Championship One after their run of defeats in the Northern Rail Cup.

Sunday's loss to Featherstone Rovers made it three defeats in three games but Rotheram is adamant that, given time, his new-look side will compete.

"That's the squad we've got and will carry on with, it's my job to make them better," he told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"We're getting to know each other. A lot of new players that need to gel."

Rotheram brought in a host of new players, Jarrad Stack, Darren King and Carl Forber among them for the new season.

And the former St Helens and Whitehaven coach believes that his side's NRC experiences will stand them in good stead for the prospect of the league and Challenge Cup.

Despite the defeats, Town have shown promise against higher opposition in Haven and Rovers.

And Rotheram feels that longer term, starting with this Saturday's Challenge Cup visit of French side Lezignan-Corbieres (7 March, 1630 GMT), they will see the benefit.

"The defeat has hardened us up for next week which was good," he said. "Playing against quality opposition under pressure tested us mentally.

"I'm far from despondent, the players know they're going all right. They can take some positives.

"Once we get playing at our own level, on better ground conditions, then you'll see the best of us."