SEVEN points from the last three Conference games is not a bad return, but Leigh RMI boss Steve Waywell believes it should have been nine and is pointing the blame firmly at his defence.

As the Railwaymen's manager prepares for Saturday's short trip to Northwich Victoria, he hopes his attempts to stiffen up the back four will succeed.

"We have to look at ourselves defensively, we have to get it sorted," he confessed.

Waywell has been incensed by the way his side have conceded what he describes as "too many soft goals", but says it is down to the players to sort it out.

He said: "Players are not taking the responsibility of picking their opponents up. It is all about players doing their jobs. The best way to defend is to attack and once we sit back we concede goals. The players have to get that into their heads. Seven points in three games is not bad but we have to sort out these soft goals."

Against Kettering our 'keeper did not had a save to make in 90 minutes but we conceded two goals and that is bad. Players have to look at themselves and sort themselves out. There is nothing I can do on the training pitch, it is about players taking responsibility.

"Against Kettering we pulled a goal back but started dilly dallying at the back and trying too many passes. We got caught in possession and that is how we conceded the second goal."

Waywell is hoping new signing John Robertson from Southport will help put matters right.

"He did well for us in his first game. He is a big strong lad and has a bit of presence about him. He is not the quickest defender, but has experience and will win things for us."