TIVIDALE boss Dave King says he's taking heart in the fact his young side can still improve regardless of their impending relegation.

Dale slipped to a 3-0 defeat at Boldmere St Michaels last Saturday as their poor run of results went on. One more defeat could be enough for resign the bottom-placed side to the drop this season.

They are due to take on Highgate United at the Beeches tonight before welcoming Heanor Town this Saturday.

King admits it has been a tough campaign but says the saving grace is the age of his players.

"Our two centre backs against Boldmere were Freddy Watts and Andre Edwards, who are 18 and 20, so you have to expect they may concede a few goals from time to time. Our left back is also a similar age," said King.

"The situation for the club would be a lot worse if we had a group of players who were all over 30 because we'd be talking about having to overhaul the side for next season. Instead we have a lot of young lads that love the club and love being involved here. They can continue to get better next season in the league below and hopefully they can stay with us."

Once again it was missed chances that cost Dale.

King added: "Box-to-box we are a really good side and play some really nice stuff. Our biggest issue is that we're not clinical when the chances come our way and are a little naive at the back.

"We have hit the bar and the post before Boldmere went up the other end and scored and that is the difference."