Wealdstone manager Gordon Bartlett believes his side need to take more risks as the wait for their first win in the Conference South continues.

The newly-promoted Stones have drawn four of their first five games but Bartlett thinks his team need to be more adventurous rather than just making sure they avoid defeat.

Bartlett, whose side have only scored four goals in five games, said: “We have to try and be a bit more positive in our thinking.

“At the moment we are looking to make sure we don’t lose matches rather than trying to win games.

“We have to start taking some more risks. Defensively we have looked pretty solid but we need to start creating more chances. We need to start getting it right in the forward areas.”

Wealdstone earned an impressive point from their goalless draw at Ebbsfleet United on Monday which was a major improvement on their dismal 2-1 defeat at home to Farnborough on Saturday.

Bartlett, whose side’s consolation came from striker Scott McGleish, said: “Our performance on Saturday was very poor and we would not have beaten anyone.

“We were pretty inept, lacklustre and there was no life to us so it was extremely disappointing. But to respond like that on Monday was good.”

The manager added: “We were playing against a side that are the favourites for the title. They have 23 full-time professionals so they’re geared up to the Football League.

“The only disappointment is they were down to ten men for an hour after Daryl McMahon was sent off so you think what might have been.”

Watford midfielder Luke O’Nien joined the Stones on a season-long loan last week having spent a month at the club back in March.

Bartlett said: “He will bring us drive and energy which we have lacked recently. We know all about him from his time here last season and anyone we bring in now will be able to add something to the squad.”

A two-footed challenge by McMahon on O’Nien resulted in the sending off.

But the visitors had a let off when they conceded a penalty which was superbly saved by Jonathan North from Matt Godden’s spot-kick.

The Stones face another difficult trip this weekend when they travel to third-placed Bromley.

Bartlett said: “It is another match against one of the favourites for promotion so it will be a test of how far we’ve come.

“We have no real expectations on us but it would be nice if we could get our first win.

“It will be another tough battle but we will go in there quietly confident of coming away with the three points.”