READING Rockets (8-7) will be looking to end their four-game losing streak when they welcome Manchester Magic (6-7) to Rivermead Leisure Complex on Sunday afternoon (5pm).

Rockets suffered a close loss at the hands of Worthing Thunder (10-5) last Saturday when they were beaten 90-86 at the Thunderdome, and this Sunday’s opponents also suffered late heartbreak as they lost at home to league leaders Team Solent Kestrels on the buzzer 84-83.

The two teams have met once already this season in the reverse fixture and the north-west outfit came out on top that day, winning 93-88 at the Amaechi Basketball Centre back in November.

Rockets head coach Manuel Peña Garcés was disappointed to see his team lose at Thunder, but feels they are performing better each game and is confident going into this weekend’s match.

The play-caller said: “We showed a real improvement in our performance last Saturday against Worthing and displayed a great attitude and commitment to what we were trying to do.

“We are making really good strides with this and in our practices and in time we will get back to winning ways.

“Worthing has a lot of fire power on their team and we found it tough at times to stop them, so we will review this and make sure we have urgent areas to work on this week in preparation for Sunday’s game.”

He continued: “Manchester has been one of the best teams in recent years and despite a 6-7 record so far this season, they provide one of the toughest tests.

"Coach Paul (Middleton) will be wanting to get back to winning ways after last Saturday’s defeat to Solent and will definitely have his team prepared to face us.

“However, I think with all the improvements we are making and the application and intent of the players in practice and in games, we will be difficult to play against during the rest of this season.

"I am hopeful this will start on Sunday by picking up a much-needed win rewarding our performance.”

Rockets go into Sunday’s game with no new injury concerns and a fully-fit squad to choose from.

Forward Danny Carter played only his second game back after his break and remains focused on getting back to full fitness and helping his team in the latter part of the season.

Ex-Division Four star Ed Potter (pictured) had a great game for the Rivermead outfit last week and will continue to represent the first team alongside Under 18 Adrian Nosa Castillo, who is also gaining valuable minutes in the Division One set-up.

Rockets will be looking to get their first win in five with both teams eyeing victory to stay in the play-off hunt with nine games left of the regular season.