RUGGED defender Danny Adams believes Town must be more ruthless in the big League I assignments ahead.

The 29-year-old left-back has been `in a bad mood' since Friday's 4-1 Galpharm defeat by Scunthorpe which leaves Town fourth as they prepare for Saturday's trip to Oldham.

Adams has no doubt the stunning setback was just a blip, however, and has called on the fans to back Peter Jackson's side more passionately than ever.

"The main problem on Friday was that we didn't have any cutting edge - we were a bit too pretty," said Adams today.

"At times we have to be a bit more direct and that doesn't mean lumping the ball, it means playing into the corners for players to run and it means getting the ball in the box, where we should be scoring goals.

"It was just one of those bad days at the office and I don't think it will happen again. I hope it doesn't, because making stupid mistakes like that hurts too much.

"We've all had a chat about it and the lads certainly believe in each other and believe in what we are trying to achieve.

"The records show we've lost just twice in 17 matches and that proves we are good enough."

For Adams it was a first ever home defeat in Town colours and he hopes it won't deter the home contingent in a crowd of 14,122.

"We need the fans to stick right behind us and to turn up in force week after week, because we are going for promotion, no doubt about it," he enthused.

"One bad result doesn't make a season. We know we've got the ability and we certainly aren't going to hang our heads.

"When it comes to Oldham on Saturday we will be up for it and we'll be aiming to prove that Friday was one of those horrible one-offs."

Striker Andy Booth (hamstring) is unlikely to be fit for tomorrow's Pontin's Holidays League trip to Bradford (7.00), but midfielder Mark Hudson is a confirmed starter.

* Football - Pages 42, 43, & 44.