BASINGSTOKE Town manager Jason Bristow insists that he still has faith in his squad – despite their poor start to the season.

The Dragons lost twice over the bank holiday weekend and have taken just three points from their opening seven games, their joint worst start to a season since 2004, when the Conference South was formed.

It has been a dramatic fall from grace for a squad that finished third in the table last season, and supporters are questioning Bristow's decision not to make many changes to the playing staff over the summer.

Just two new faces, goalkeeper Aaron Howe and defender Will Salmon, joined Town in the close season – but Bristow is backing the players at his disposal to come good.

"It's tough at the moment, but we have got the players in the squad to get us out of this predicament," he said. "I still have faith in the players and believe that results will turn.

"With results going the way they have, questions are going to be asked. It's easy to say that we should have brought more players in now, but if we had made wholesale changes and started the way we have, people would be asking why we had disrupted a successful squad.

"We have made additions and if the right players become available, we will continue to do that."

Bristow made one addition last week, with former Reading youngster Matt Partridge playing both games over the weekend following his departure from Dagenham and Redbridge.

However, in an episode that sums up Town's lack of fortune so far this season, the 21-year-old completed a switch to League Two side Newport County on Tuesday.

Bristow said: "Matt seemed happy to play here for the rest of the season, but the Football League is undoubtedly where he belongs. We wish him well but it is a shame for us because it would have been great to have him at Basingstoke Town."

Town, who sit 20th in the National League South table, will be hoping to claim that elusive first win of the season on Saturday, when they travel to sixth-placed Hemel Hempstead Town (3pm).

Bristow is hoping to welcome back midfielder Shaun McAuley (knee) and striker Lloyd Macklin (Achilles), while another forward, George Hallahan, is also fit. However, Jamie Brown will miss out due to a groin problem.