Stiff’s side were ripped apart at York on Saturday - Aussie Dan Wilson smashing 115 off 53 balls en route to a ten wicket victory.

‘Gate then exited the Cockspur Cup on Sunday against Easingwold and Stiff is still seeking his first win ahead of tomorrow’s hosting of Rotherham Town (12 noon start).

Despite the miserable start, ‘Gate’s skipper is refusing to panic and insists the St George’s Roaders merely need confidence.

“We should be able to turn it around and I think once we get that one win and start believing we can win, we should be able to get a few more under our belts,” said Stiff.

“We need to get some form together but once we get off the mark we should be all right.

“Rotherham should be a decent side and it will be a fairly tough one but if we all play to our best they are definitely beatable though we’ll have to improve.”

Stiff won the toss on Saturday and put Harrogate in but openers Adam Patel (0) and Stuart Clark (14) went quickly before Imran Patel (42) and Nick Lindley (56) restored order.

Stiff also added an unbeaten 29 but 157 would never prove enough and York openers Wilson and Duncan Snell (41no) stormed the hosts to victory.

‘Gate’s bowling attack was hit for just under ten an over but the skipper insists ‘Gate had little chance defending such a small score.

“It was a bit disappointing really as we batted first having won the toss on a very good pitch,” he said.

“A minimum of 250 really or 300 would have been a par score and we were nowhere near with the runs - it was only Nick Lindley with his 50 that managed much.

“Their Aussie then came out and he was a man on a mission and he played an exemplary innings.”

‘Gate then had no answer to visiting Easingwold on Sunday, posting 185-9 batting first with Stiff (36no) opening but needing late flurries from Dan Craven (26) and Matt Ingham (30) to bump up the score.

Easingwold overhauled at 186-5 despite two wickets for Craven and one for Stiff, who both showed signs of improved rhythm.