ANGRY Dave Busst threatened to wield the axe on his under-performing players ahead of Evesham United's home clash with Aylesbury tomorrow (3pm).

The Common Road boss was livid following his side's 2-0 home defeat to Grantham Town on Bank Holiday Monday.

Among his moans included a lack of fight and commitment from the Evesham players, key ingredients if the Robins are to survive in the Southern League Premier Division. And Busst warned that if the attitude of his squad does not quickly improve, he may be forced to plunge into the transfer market.

"I was disappointed with the way we performed," said Busst. "We all know that it's going to be tough but they couldn't even do the basics.

"They couldn't pass a ball 20 yards, there was no fight, we created no clear-cut chances and some of them looked as though they just couldn't be bothered. I wasn't watching the same team on Monday.

"I'm not asking them to do things that they can't do but they've got to take a good look at themselves.

"The signs aren't good and that lack of desire is a worry. If there is anything better out there then I will go out and get them."

After losing four of their opening six games, United are already skirting around the relegation zone.

There is further misery for Busst with three key players -- Gavin O'Toole, Lee Knight and Stuart Hamilton -- all sidelined with slight injuries.

However, defender Steve Hands returns from holiday to give the manager options against promotion contenders Aylesbury, who slipped to fourth on Tuesday after a shock defeat to Northwood.

Busst added: "We're going to have to get our thinking caps on. We're already looking stale three weeks into the season."