HAYDEN BIRD is hoping for a reaction from his players when they visit local rivals Whyteleafe on Saturday.
Merstham looked lacklustre last weekend as they lost their first Ryman League game since October, going down 3-1 to promotion rivals Folkestone Invicta.
And the Moatsiders boss wants to see an improved performance for his side at Church Road.
"I think when you lose after going on a long unbeaten run, you accept the defeat, you are calm with the defeat and you react to the defeat," he said.
"I'm sure the players will react in a positive way and will be ready to go again against Whyteleafe.
"Whyteleafe will be the same and we will have to turn up against them.
"It's a local derby and they will have a very big motivation to beat us and they are at home.
"It will be a tough game but a good game."
