Raiders are second bottom after their ninth defeat from 10 leagues games at Canterbury on Saturday, but Davies remains optimistic heading into some crucial matches before Christmas.

He said: "We have really moved forward, and Saturday saw us cause problems and create chances, without taking them. We have changed the way we've been playing recently and it has definitely improved us.

We're showing positives and, although there are a few niggling problems, it's something to build on."

Worthing, without a match this weekend, face high-flying Ealing, mid-table Ding Crusaders, and bottom-of-the-table Havant before Christmas, and Davies said: "There's not a million miles between us and safety. It's very tight down there.

"Havant at home is a massive must-win match. It will be a real battle, especially as it's a local derby as well. Then, we face Chinnor at home just after Christmas, who are a place above us, which is one we are aiming to win too.

"We knew it would be a tough year. Slowly but surely, though, we are improving. And, with a few more points on the board before Christmas, things will look a lot better for our last 12 games."

Worthing failed to capitalise on playing down the sloping pitch in the first half at Canterbury.

Canterbury's Gert De Kock and Raiders' Tom Wells exchanged penalties before Canterbury pressure was rewarded with two tries.

Worthing's Tom Sargeant, who had returned to the field after being sinbinned, touched down and Wells converted, before Canterbury added a third try to move 18-10 ahead at half-time.

Canterbury extended their lead to 35-10, before Worthing got their second try through Matt Farnes, which Joe Govett converted.

Davies said: "When you let teams like Canterbury get ahead, it's very hard to get back in the game.

"We needed to take advantage of the slope in the first-half, and be more clinical. After the break they used the slope, got an early try, and put the game beyond us.

"Tom Sargeant had an excellent game for us, and Will Marshall was also outstanding, so it's disappointing not to take anything from the game."

RAIDERS: Marshall, Farnes, Kaye, Power, Nielsen, Wells, Govett; Kirchell, Smith, Sargeant, Lawski, Roberts, Halsey, Cleveland, Storer (capt). Subs (all used): Marler, Pointing, Levett, Rogers, Arther.

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