Midfielder Joe McGee says Workington Reds must take their chances if they want to stop the rot against Grantham today (kick-off 3pm).

Reds haven't won any of their last six league matches and are hoping to put things right this afternoon at Borough Park.

They were due to play Marine in midweek, but the Merseyside club's involvement in the FA Cup has given them some extra rest.

Derek Townsley's side have already reached the third qualifying round of the FA Cup this season after beating Warrington and Shildon and play Matlock next month in the competition.

Today's opponents Grantham are level on points with Reds, but have an inferior goal difference and have played a game more.

McGee said: "I think we need to defend better.

"There have been some good signs in the FA Cup, but everybody knows we've let in too many goals.

"But we've got some good defenders and, going forward, we need to capitalise on some more of the chances that we create.

"If we can take some of our chances, especially earlier in the game, we can put games to bed before the other team has a chance to get back in it."

Long-term absentees Gari Rowntree and Anthony Wright will miss the match.

Since beating Rushall and Frickley in August, Reds have lost to Barwell, Buxton, Blyth and Halesowen and drawn with Frickley again and Sutton Coldfield.

Reds took four points from a possible six against The Gingerbreads last season with an away win and a home draw.

Grantham go into the match on the back of home defeats by Nantwich and Warrington and a draw with Barwell.

Their involvement in the FA Cup is already over after being knocked out by 2008 heroes Chasetown.

They strengthened their team this week with the addition of Notts County right-back Luther Wildin on a month's loan.

McGee opened his account for the season against Frickley last Tuesday and was also on the scoresheet against Shildon in the FA Cup last weekend.

He added: "I know last year the games against Grantham were difficult games.

"They'll have to travel quite a long way and I'm expecting a tough game.

"We've got a really close group of lads like last year and all the lads have got great morale.

"Even though the performances have not been good, we know we've got a great side and it's about sticking together."

Meanwhile, Reds' reserves stunned reigning champions Colne in their Lancashire League match on Thursday night.

A last-minute winner from Jordan Ferguson secured an unlikely victory, which leaves Reds fourth in the league.