The Chester City boss is determined to steer his club clear of the relegation zone – and has just eight games remaining to do so.

The Blues are only seven points above the relegation places ahead of their Easter weekend fixtures against fourth placed Darlington tomorrow at the Deva Stadium (3pm kick-off), and at second-placed Peterborough United on Monday.

Davies said: "The league table is now looking slightly concerning after our 3-1 defeat at Barnet last weekend.

"I wasn't happy about our performance because I didn't feel we got to grips with the game and I felt we let an opportunity pass us by against a team that are down at the wrong end of the division with ourselves.

"We all felt the same disappointment after the Barnet game. The players were gutted and they knew that they had under-achieved.

"I sat down with the players on Tuesday and we all watched the Barnet game. It wasn't very good viewing, but we did get to grips with a few issues which was good.

"We had a few views which will stay in-house, but I'd rather have that happen and get feelings out of our system and crack on for the weekend.

"The most important thing to come out from Tuesday's meeting was that the lads showed they cared for what happened – and that fills me full of confidence for the weekend."

Davies, preparing his side for tomorrow's home match against promotion-chasing Darlington, said: "This weekend's games are tough on paper.

"We played Darlington three weeks ago and there wasn't a lot in the game. The odd decision that didn't go our way cost us the goal and the points.

"If we were to have the edge this Saturday then there's no reason why we can't win the game.

"We've been going from one game to the next without getting the points that we require.

"I can't remember too many chances against us at the minute that aren't going in. We have been getting punished for a few things that maybe on another day would go our way.

"It's a learning curve for me – and a harsh reality – but nobody is feeling sorry for themselves because we have to crack on.

"Only the players and the staff at Chester can turn things round, and we will do. The talking has to stop now and we need to do it on the pitch."

Davies is hoping that striker Chris Holroyd, winger Richie Partridge, and centre half Paul Butler will all be available for selection after being sidelined with injuries.

He added: "All three players look set to return which is great news because it provides me with a full strength squad.

"I know the youth team players better than anyone at the club, but at the moment it might do them more harm than good to throw them into the first team – especially in the position we're in.

"It's the older players now in the team that need to stand up and be counted.

"I'm sure they will because they said all the right things during the week and they've shown the right attitude.

"We're looking for leaders on the pitch and we've got quite a few in the squad. Sadly, they haven't been fit, but when they're back we'll be okay.

"It's important that our younger lads learn their trade from our more experienced players in the squad."

Chester reserves lost 1-0 against an experienced Burnley reserves team in their latest Pontin's League fixture.