BASINGSTOKE RFC coach Jim Dixon is pleased his side have responded to the target he set, to make January 2005 a winning month.

'Stoke have won their last three games, which they had to do, given their predicament at the bottom of London one.

After a poor 2004, the recent wins have restored momentum and confidence to the team.

But Dixon has warned there is no scope for resting on laurels and there is still much to do to guarantee safety.

The 27-year-old said: "To sit down with the boys after a very tough match and a good 31-12 win against London Nigerians last week and tell them we were still on target was very pleasing.

"It was a very physical game against a team with some big boys, and some of us are still feeling the effects. But it's all the more bearable after a win.

"The past six weeks' hard work is paying off, but the boys know they still have to keep producing.

"There's a lot more to come from the side, but the encouraging thing is it's not too far away."

Dixon is anticipating a tough away fixture tomorrow at Old Albanians, but has been afforded a seasonal first by being able to name an unchanged side.

"Continuity is important, and it's about time I can name a settled side," said Dixon.

"We played some good rugby against Nigerians - I know the supporters felt a cricket score might be on the cards but Nigerians really fought back as they are in a desperate position.

"It now looks like they will be relegated, though.

"But we have to carry on where we left off against them with the strong defence and creative, try-scoring rugby we produced.

"Albanians have had a patchy run in the last six weeks, whereas we've been improving steadily.

"So, hopefully, that will show in the game and we can get another vital victory."

Dixon has been laid up in bed this week battling a stomach bug and wisdom teeth pain, but expects to have recovered by Saturday to play at No 8.

He said Elimon Chimbima, who recently came back into the side after a notable absence with a bad knee injury, did well.

"He's improving his match fitness and made some very good runs, slotting comfortably into the back line," said Dixon.

Fly-half Ian Calder, who played for the Dragons last week, is named as a replacement in Dixon's squad of 18.

Basingstoke: Simon Humberstone; Simon Buckland, Vincent Feausi, Elimon Chimbima, Oliver Rogers; Sebastian Berti, Darren Lillywhite; Phil Perkins, Pete Maxwell, Roberto Bussati, Andy Wilson, Ross Stirling, Simon Appleby, Dan Rees, Jim Dixon. Replacements: Mark Rushworth, Tom Northcote, Ian Calder.