CARETAKER Guiseley boss Adam Lockwood believes his side set standards during Monday’s 1-0 defeat at Tranmere as he bids to stop the rot against Braintree.

The Lions remain bottom of the Vanarama National League after seven straight defeats, with Lockwood having presided over losses against Bromley and Rovers since taking interim charge.

But he remains hopeful of succeeding Mark Bower on a permanent basis and has taken heart from the improved display during Monday’s televised encounter at Prenton Park.

Looking ahead to Braintree’s visit on Saturday, Lockwood said: “Braintree will be a different beast but if we get ourselves right, then we give ourselves a chance.

“If we don't, then we won't stand a chance, but I would like to give the guys a bit of credit because it is not easy being in the situation we are in.

“Obviously it's the same guys who have put us in that situation and me included – everybody at the club included – so we are the guys who are going to have to get us out of it.

“If I see more improvement like I did at Tranmere on Monday, then it can only be a positive and who knows what can happen.

“Obviously I'm not happy with the results, but I've seen a real difference in people in the last two games.

“Yes, it was a 4-1 defeat against Bromley but until the first goal went in I saw improvements and what I wanted.

“Tranmere aren't top of the league for nothing and it was a good team performance, as well as some very good individual performances as well.

“It's not easy going to places like that but like I said we set standards and, if we can do that week in and week out, we will give ourselves a chance.

“There are some tough games but ultimately you must keep your performance levels high.

“I don't care who we play, those standards have to be hit week in and week out.

“The more times that we do that, the more progress we will get as a club.

“It won't be short-term success – if we build that culture, it will be long-term success. Hopefully I will be part of that in whatever capacity.

“I enjoy it and there are good people here because it's a good club that obviously wants to go places.

“I said to the guys 'not just on the pitch, it's about overall standards as a club.

“If we set those standards then anyone who comes into the club – as a player or member of staff – have to adhere to them. It becomes about Guiseley and not about individuals.”

The Nethermoor board are still sifting through a raft of applications as they ponder whether to give Lockwood an extended opportunity to save the club from the drop.

Lockwood, meanwhile, paid tribute to winger Luke Porritt after handing him a starting role at Tranmere.

Porritt has endured an injury-plagued past year and Lockwood said: “He's had a tough time but he came in against Bromley with a point to prove and he took the game to them.

“People say it's easy when you're up against it and have nothing to lose.

“But he's then gone to the league leaders, live on television with a bit of pressure, and done himself proud again.

“For me, he can only get better as a player. Hopefully we can develop him and make him into a top, top player.”