John Maggs is determined to stop his side coasting through the rest of the season.

League re-organisation means Hornets are virtually certain to be playing in Division One next season and boss Maggs believes a lack of incentive has been reflected in recent performances.

Tuesday's 1-0 setback at home to Met Police was their fourth defeat in their last six games in Division Two and, according to Maggs, was their worst performance since he took over as manager.

He said: "We do have the incentive of trying to finish in the top three because the club would then pay for the lads to go abroad at the end of the season.

"But the players don't seem to think that is achievable and have taken their foot off the pedal, although I think it's just a blip.

"We still have a lot to play for though. We have 15 more league games to play at home and if we can get our consistency back there's no reason why we can't finish in the top six. We've also got a Senior Cup quarter-final against Lewes."

Maggs has promised new faces will be brought in with a view to next season, but his immediate aim is to boost a squad ravaged by illness and injury at the moment.

Six players were doubtful for today's home game against title challengers Great Wakering Rovers which meant another opportunity for new signing Stuart Hardy who made his debut against Met Police.

Hardy has been signed from County League East Grinstead where he has scored nine goals in an attacking midfield role this season. However Hardy will be suspended for six weeks from February 12 after being sent off in November.

Worthing boss Sammy Donnelly says hard work will help his side pull themselves out of their mid-season slump.

Rebels are without a win in ten after losing by the only goal at home to Wealdstone on Tuesday.

"It's very frustrating, but the only way out of our bad run is to work hard and my players know I will insist they do that," he said.

Like his Horsham counterpart, Donnelly believes the league is in limbo because of re-organisation next season.

He added: "We want to finish in the top six but it seems sides who want to do well are up against it. The teams below you know they are not going to be relegated so they adopt a more relaxed approach and that makes you play better sometimes."

Donnelly was hoping to train on the Woodside Road pitch for only the second time in November while niggling injuries are another source of frustration for him.