MARTIN Poste has described the moment Northwich are passing through as 'delicate' but is confident his players’ resolve will help to turn around their fortunes.

A 50-26 defeat at Stockport last weekend is their fourth this season, and a current five-match run without a victory is their worst since an ill-feted campaign in the RFU's Midlands Division in 2012.

It leaves them 11th in the North One West table ahead of a visit from leaders Carlisle on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

“We’re being tested,” said the director of rugby.

“And as the guy in charge I want so desperately to help.

“Sometimes in a situation like this a new signing can have a galvanizing effect, but we’re not living in that world right now.

“We need a win, we know that, because it would make everybody feel a bit better.”

That won’t be easy against opponents that have won five of their six matches so far.

However Blacks did win both meetings between the teams last season, including a 25-10 success at Moss Farm last October.

They hope to be able to call again on influential captain Matthew Poste this weekend, while Chris Heywood returns too.

However front-row pair Adam Bennett and Joe Maddocks are both rated as doubtful after succumbing to injury in a bruising encounter with Stockport.

Poste said: “Our pack is under pressure, and it’s an issue to find the right combination in our front five.

“Once we do that, the backs division will see more of the ball and we can do the things we’re good at.

“It is a delicate time, but we all have a responsibility to see that we get reach the other side.”