IAN Long wants his misfiring Tividale players to show a positive reaction after they were dumped out of the FA Trophy last weekend.

Tivi lost 2-0 away to Greseley on Saturday after once again struggling to fire in front of goal.

They have also failed to find the back of the net during open play in their last three league matches.

Manager Long said: "I want a positive reaction from the players now. We have had it our own way since the start of the season but characters are starting to be tested.

"I need the big characters at the club to step up and be counted."

Long also admitted to being in the hunt for more firepower to boost his squad.

Tivi were given some cause for joy when beating Wyrley 7-0 at The Beeches last Tuesday in the JW Hunt Cup.

"It was good to get a win against Wyrley but I'm not reading much into that," added Long. "That win doesn't change the fact we are struggling to take our chances in the league."

Tividale were due to take on Newcastle Town at home last night before preparing to face Sheffield away this Saturday.

Against Greseley, Tividale were well in the contest until Sam Williams was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence at the start of the second half.

They had trailed 1-0 at the break after Kieran O'Connell unleashed an unstoppable effort into the top corner on 28 minutes.

O’Connell then took advantage of the extra space to add his second on 63 minutes.