Tom Shaw insists it is an absence of quality in both boxes rather than a lack of effort or commitment that is to blame for Chester FC's concerning form.
The Blues, who lost 1-0 at FC Halifax Town in the FA Trophy on Wednesday, were due to return to National League action this weekend with a trip to Torquay United, but the game was postponed.
Chester have won once in 10 league games.
Fans are understandably losing patience but Shaw does not believe the team can be accused of not putting a shift in, however he does feel Wednesday night's performance highlighted where this season has gone wrong.
Read: FA Trophy exit 'bitterly disappointing' for everyone, says Jon McCarthy
Shaw said: "Tee to green we were good again. Our build-up was good and we were told we got into 15 crossing opportunities and only one put in one decent cross so if we're going to get on a run and win some games before the end of the season we've got to be a lot better in both boxes. We've got to clear our lines better in our box and be more ruthless at the top end.
"We got ourselves into good positions and I thought we were quite fluid but it's the final pass, cross or shot that's not there and it is lacking because it's three games without a goal now and it's something we've got to sort out.
"We're a positive group and I don't think the effort can ever be questioned. It's been there all season but there's a lack of quality, which we have got but we need to bring it to the table."
With Luke George (hamstring) and Ben Heneghan (ankle) expected to be unfit, Chester were set to be without two key men against Torquay. Wigan Athletic winger Danny O'Brien, who signed on a month's loan on Thursday, had been in line to make his debut.
