HAVING been relegated last season, Wharfedale have only won two of their opening 11 matches so far this campaign in National League Two North.

But director of rugby James Doherty, who was appointed last May to replace Tom McGee, says that he is still the man for the job.

The Greens have lost their last six matches but Doherty said: "There are massive signs of improvement, and we have only lost our last three matches by a total of ten points (18-13 at home to Sale last Saturday, 20-17 at Harrogate on November 5 and 23-21 at home to Leicester Lions on October 29).

"If I wasn't getting a response from the players then things might be different but anyone who was there last Saturday could see the huge effort and commitment that was put in, and I feel that a win is just around the corner.

"We are not in a great situation but I am also 100 per cent confident that we will get out of it."

Second-placed Sale led 18-7 at half-time but the second-from-bottom Greens, who are only above Harrogate on points difference, were totally in charge in the second half.

They only managed to add two penalties to bring a third successive losing bonus point, but Doherty said: "We absolutely dominated them and blew a clear-cut two on one.

"Our defence has improved massively since we lost at home to Sheffield Tigers on October 15, and our set-piece is holding up.

"In addition, newcomers Tom Whyte and Matt Hall had superb matches against Sale."

On Saturday, Wharfedale are at home to Scunthorpe, who are only five points and two places better off than the Dalesmen.

Doherty said: "I don't target matches like some coaches do,

"Scunthorpe have a big pack and will probably target our set-piece."