MARK Bower is calling on his players to be ruthless at both ends of the field as they fight to preserve their Vanarama National League status.

The Lions looked to be heading for their first win in nine matches when they twice led in Monday's 3-3 draw against Chester, who they would have overtaken with a victory, and are just three points above the relegation zone.

Defensive frailty saw them surrender the lead twice in the closing stages with some careless defending and Bower admitted: "The game epitomised our season. We scored three great goals and then gave away some shocking goals.

"Ruthlessness in both boxes is what we need. At least we showed it in the attacking end but we have not done it at our own end to see the game out."

With his side facing a tough trip to play-off hopefuls Eastleigh tomorrow, Bower knows they must turn promise into points.

"The number of times we have been better than the opposition and not win has put us in the position we are in," said the Lions manager.

"We have got to keep going. We have to produce a good performance, defend our box better and hopefully score three goals as we did against Chester."

The Lions have not won any of their last nine league games and will be hoping that April proves more fruitful for them.

As well as Eastleigh away, there are tough home tests looming against title-chasing leaders Cheltenham and also Wrexham.

Looking at the relegation scene, Bower said: "It is tough and teams down there are there for a reason as they lose more games than they win.

"We just need that couple of wins that will make so much difference and get us away from the bottom four.

"If we go about our business right and cut out the silly results that have been costing us dear all season, we've got a chance of going to Eastleigh and getting a result.

"There is always going to be shock results we have got Cheltenham and Wrexham to come here.

"I fully expect us to put on a good show like we have against Tranmere, Forest Green and Grimsby. If we do that, the law of averages says we will get that little bit of luck and we will get a win against one of these teams.

"I firmly believe we can get results against the big teams Eastleigh, Cheltenham and Wrexham, who we have got in the next three. We can get results and shock other people."