Cheshire Phoenix coach Ben Thomas insists his side cannot afford to 'sulk' after another setback to their play-off prospects.

Thomas had challenged his players to take four points from their weekend double header against top-eight rivals Bristol Flyers and Plymouth Raiders.

But the depleted Ellesmere Port side, who were without influential duo CJ Gettys and Orlan Jackman, emerged with just two after they atoned for a defeat at the Flyers with a hard-fought 92-81 home win against the Raiders.

The results left the Nix in ninth and four points adrift of Bristol who currently occupy the final play-off spot heading into the final month of the campaign.

Thomas said: "We didn't get the two victories we set out for, which is disappointing, but on reflection it was probably what our performances deserved.

"Obviously we set ourselves a target of maximum points but losing Orlan to the Commonwealth squad and CJ to injury made it a tough ask for us.

"Losing the Bristol game was a blow and means it'll be even harder to get past them and force our way into those top eight places.

"But we can't sit around sulking and dwell on the way things went for us. There's still a lot of points to be won and we have to be positive in our approach to all of our remaining games.

Coming out of this weekend has added even more pressure to how we end the season now, so it's vital that we start stringing a few victories together to build some momentum.

Former Worcester Wolves player Elvisi Dusha has been recruited by Thomas to reinforce his selection options ahead of a fixture-packed April schedule.

The 6'2'' guard will play for his new team for the remainder of the season moves to the club that denied his former employers the BBL Cup in January.

Dusha brings pace, ball distribution and character to the Phoenix and Thomas believes his new recruit can be real asset in their Championship run-in.

Thomas said: "Elvisi actually met up with is for the first time at the Bristol game after he travelled by himself to get there.

"He is a high-calibre player with lots of experience and he'll definitely strengthen our roster with some vital cover for this very important part of the season.

"He has proved this season what an important player he can be and I’m sure we are going to see the best of him here with the Phoenix."