BRIDGWATER Town boss Dave Pearse is urging his side to express themselves as they look to end a four-match losing streak.

The Robins were beaten 3-0 by Melksham Town at Fairfax Park on Saturday and now face a tricky midweek double header at home to Bradford Town (tonight) and away at Melksham (Thursday).

Reflecting on Saturday's game, Pearse said: "We were much better than against Bitton and Wellington and I can’t have too many complaints with the players.

“I think 3-0 flattered them, but we need to play at that level every week and find that consistency if we are to challenge at the top end next year.

“Lee [Begg] apologised for giving the penalty away afterwards; with that and a flukey second goal, we’ve given them the win.”

Town were without striker Jack Taylor on Saturday, but their leading scorer returns tonight.

"I suppose we missed him," Pearse said.

"Jack is the sort of player who can be having a quiet game but then pop up with a goal.

"We did create a few chances, particularly through Jack Jenkins and Mike Duffy, but we weren't clinical enough."

A standout player on Saturday was debutant Aaron Harper-Penman, who impressed at centre-back.

"He's a fantastic player who I know from Barnstaple and has agreed to help us out," Pearse said.

"He organised and encouraged us, and his presence was a breath of fresh air."

Looking ahead to this week's double header against sides currently sat second and third, Pearse said: "It's as tough as you could ask for at this level.

"We need to go for it in the games we have left and try and keep hold of our place in the top six."