STEVE Lloyd says Barnton’s confidence has not been dented by a five-goal drubbing at Bootle.

The Villagers have not won any of their four games to date this season, a sequence they attempt to end when they visit fellow slow-starters AFC Liverpool this afternoon, kick-off 3pm.

A 5-0 defeat on Merseyside last weekend is one they want to forget quickly.

Lloyd said: “The vibe in the group is still positive.

“We’ve had two good training sessions this week, and the lads have put the disappointment of losing behind them.

“It’s an important week, with three huge games, but we know what needs to be done.”

He hopes to shore up a backline that will be without captain Jack McKay until November because of an injury.

George Mannion, who spent part of last season at Northwich Victoria, has arrived this week from North West Counties League rivals Congleton.

He could take the place of Zak Pearson, who is ruled out by a groin strain.

“As the result suggests, we were soundly-beaten last weekend,” added Lloyd.

“Bootle are a top side, and you have to be at it for the whole game against them – but we only competed in spells.

“It’s possible to argue we’ve been unlucky to come against two strikers, Ryan Cox and Scott McGowan, in the past two games who are in red-hot form.

“But we have to combat those threats by taking chances ourselves because when we don’t then we risk coming unstuck.”

Goalkeeper Chris Davies is available again this weekend, while wide man Ryan Malone is included in the match-day squad for the first time this season.

Josh Crofts (knee) is almost ready for a return too.

Kick-off at the Marine Travel Arena is 3pm.