READING Rockets (1-3) will be looking to return to winning ways tomorrow when they travel to the Brentwood Centre to take on the Essex Leopards (0-4) in a key NBL Division One clash (7.30pm).

Rockets endured a tough trip to the north last weekend as they came away empty handed, losing 86-75 to Team Northumbria before a narrow 102-96 defeat at the hands of the league’s leading scorers Bradford Dragons.

Rockets have once been in this position before under former head coach Samit Nuruzade when they lost three of their first four games, but that season they went on to win the play-off championship, a feat the club will be looking to work towards this season.

Rockets head coach Manuel Peña Garcés (pictured) was in a reflective mood after the brace of defeats and said: “Last weekend was really difficult in terms of results. Our performances against both teams were not where we would like them to be and we have a lot of work to do to try and turn those performances into more consistent ones and then wins, however what is positive for us is we are competing and are not far off two very good opponents with the young roster we have."

He continued: “At this point it is important to reflect where we are and what we need to do to progress as a group.

“This journey will be different to maybe ones we have been on before with a lot of building and hard work needed for us to be in and amongst the best teams in the division.”

“That starts again in practice and as we prepare to play Essex on Friday night.

“It is a big game for both teams as Essex are yet to record a win in the league but have a roster full of talent and can pose so many dangers if they are allowed to play their game.

“At this stage I feel calm and objective, and I am really excited with the challenge that lies ahead because I think it will be one that has more satisfaction than winning and once we get it right I believe we will be in for a great time together.

“Practice by practice, game by game is the approach with hard work, honesty and commitment to the project key for our success this year.”

Rockets go into their first Friday night game of the campaign with no new injury concerns.