Still firing on all cylinders to take second place spot

IT'S been a so-so week for us with the win at Dunstable followed by the disappointing draw at Barton – but let me assure the fans we are all motivated.

A few people have questioned that because the title is out of reach and it would take a catastrophic run to lose our play-off place.

I can understand what they are saying but we want to finish second – because that would give us a home advantage through the play-offs.

That's what made the draw at Barton so disappointing, especially having gone in front, because a win would have meant second place was not beyond us.

It's still not beyond us but now we are relying on Nuneaton and Atherstone to slip-up and drop points.

On the other hand, our play-off spot is not totally secure yet, so we don't want to go on a bad run as if other teams picked up points below us, we would be looking over our shoulder.

We narrowly missed out on the play-offs last year and we don't want that to happen again.

We can still have a say in the title race as we visit Leamington on Monday – and both Atherstone and Nuneaton will still think they can catch the leaders.

There's always a good crowd there and they have a nice playing surface, which will be good for us.

Before that we must concentrate on our game at home to Leighton on Saturday as they are one of those sides looking to sneak into the play-offs and they will be dangerous.

Charlie has told us to look at the remaining games as a 'mini-season' and if we win them all, then we will be promoted.

On a more solemn note, the players were shocked to hear our chairman John Donnelly had a heart scare last week.

Since I have been at the club, he has done everything he can to run it well.

He has given us hotel stay-overs on our cup run and many other things.

The lads wish him all the best and hope he'll be back in time for the play-offs.