AFTER a blistering start to their 2015 Premier League Hockey (PLO) season the Dubbo Lions have suffered a dip in form in recent weeks.
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The Dubbo side hasn't won since June 20 while their last two matches have ended in heavy 5-1 losses.
They still sit in fifth, just two points of fourth and a place in the finals in their inaugural season in the competition but captain Matt Waters admits the recent results has knocked his team's confidence.
"We've got a few guys that are out of the side with suspension and other reasons and we've had a couple of losses against some in form teams so that's given them a bit of a shake but we want to turn it around and hopefully starts this weekend," he said.
"This weekend is not our strongest team but each of the players there has the potential and ability to be in the side."
The Lions play host to the Lithgow Panthers today at Pioneer Park and Waters is determined to see his side turn their recent form around.
Last time the two sides met was back in round five and Dubbo returned home from Lithgow after recording a 4-all draw.
"We haven't played to our potential and we've lost a bit of momentum," Waters said.
"Everyone has stepped up in our team but that's not to say others team haven't so it will be interesting to see what kind of team they bring.
"From last week we need to maintain possession, if we can do that it will factor in to a good result."
Dalton metcalf and Phil Coffee remain out after being suspended two weeks ago while jarha Johnston also misses out today.
The Lions remain locked on 20 points with Orange Wanderers on the ladder and the Orange side have the perfect chance to pick up maximum points today as they face the struggling Bathurst City.
Lithgow zing zap, the side currently two points ahead of Dubbo and Orange in fourth, face a real challenge today as they face the undefeated Bathurst St Pat's.
"It puts a bit of pressure on us, definitely," Waters said of the fact Wanderers are playing City.
"We need to get some good results in these coming games.
"We want to try and make that top four."
The clash of the big cats begins at 3.30pm today at Pioneer Park.