WHARFEDALE will look to get back to winning ways as they host bottom of the table Scunthorpe at the Avenue this Saturday.

The Greens are coming off a 24-17 loss at National League Two North title contenders Fylde, where a stirring second half display came up short.

Wharfedale coach Jon Feeley said: “Unfortunately you don't get points in this league for moral victories, but afterwards the lads were pretty buoyant as Fylde are second in the league. We did enough to salvage a draw, but just didn't achieve it.

“In the first half, we missed a couple of one-on-one tackles which resulted in tries, so we need to tighten up in that area.”

He also said that "uncharacteristic mistakes in the line-out" and "over-eagerness near the try line" can be corrected with better composure.

Feeley added: “We found ourselves with a half-time deficit of 14 points away from home against the team second in the league. The greater experience, combined with powerful runners repeatedly tested us and our resilience was tested.

“The strength of character we showed to improve in the second half and reverse the momentum of the game was excellent but it didn't surprise me, I know we are capable of it. It just shows that whatever we're up against, we can come back.

“Our attacking play in the second half was superb.

“Jack (Blakeney-Edwards) opened up the game with ability to spot opportunities and play to them, supported by our back line which repeatedly threatened the wider channels.

“On his 100th appearance, I thought Joe Altham underlined why he is so important to this side with some intelligent play in the loose. Josh Burridge is also improving with each game since his return.

“We will strive to improve our areas for development but also build on our strengths of which there were many in evidence on Saturday.”

Feeley, however, is wary of this Saturday's opponent, Scunthorpe, who have yet to win a game in the league this season.

"They've gone away from and pushed teams," he said. "They're abrasive and physically dominant in the carry and strong in the scrum.

"We have to exploit the areas where they lack the experience. If they are forced to find a Plan B, they struggle to move the ball wide. So we need to tighten up our defence in the middle."

Although Feeley was pleased to welcome back Chris Walker from injury last Saturday, Dan Stockdale picked up a neck injury, which the coach said will have to monitored moving forward.

"Harry Bullough is also week to week as he recovers from a foot problem," said Feeley, who is looked forward to hosting Scunthorpe at the Avenue, which was recently recognised by the Telegraph as the "Best Place to Watch Sport in the UK".

"That is a well-deserved accolade," said Feeley. "It's an accurate assessment of the Avenue. Where else can you enjoy a game of rugby with such a unique atmosphere.

"It's such a beautiful spot. People come to the Dales to go on holiday. And they will be nowhere else with such a partisan crowd."