WITH a testing trip to inform Charlton Athletic just three days away, Andy Barcham has insisted Scunthorpe United must 'stay positive'.

That rhetoric follows a disappointing 2-1 loss against a poor Oldham Athletic side at Glanford Park last night, the Iron's first defeat of the campaign.

But with United in the thick of a hectic opening to the season - they have three games in the next 10 days - Barcham believes the spirit must remain if they are to collect a league victory sooner rather than later.

"After last night's performance, the boys are down," he said.

"But we have got to stay positive and upbeat because the games are coming around so fast at the moment.

"We have deserved a little bit more than we have got but I think we can also do a lot better.

"If you dwell on the performances you are only going to take it into your next game. As dfficult as it is, you have got to stay upbeat."

After Chris Dagnall had cancelled out David Mellor's opener, the home side were finally beaten when sub Matt Smith nodded home late in the game.

"It was very frustrating," added Barcham.

"It was definitely a game that we could have got three points (from) and that would have turned the draws we have had into good results as we would be building the points tally.

"But the win will come, and, hopefully, when it does we can put a couple together."