WE are hopeful of another big gate, perhaps in excess of 4,000 again for Saturday's local derby with Kidderminster Harriers.

We would hope that all of those who enjoyed the game against Accrington, and it certainly was an excellent game, will once again turn up at Edgar Street.

It's all gone well in recent weeks and we must give credit to the players for the run they have had.

Just one defeat in 21 league games, unbeaten in the last 16, in the last 12 we have taken 30 out of a possible 36 points and during that time we have conceded just nine goals, which is a terrific defensive record, and scored 22. In those 22, we have had nine different goalscorers.

The recent form has, without doubt, been championship form in many of the other divisions, but unless there is an absolutely dramatic downturn in Accrington's results, we are going to be fighting it out again in the play-offs.

Having finished runners-up in the last two years, it would be an achievement to do it for a third year running. In any other division, that is success - except, of course, in the Conference.

It is important that we continue with the good run, results breed confidence particularly among the young lads and their mental strength will be an important factor going into the play-offs.

Looking around at the possible play-off rivals, I believe York and Halifax will be in there and then it's one from four others - Stevenage, Morecambe, Grays and Exeter. With Grays and Exeter caught up in the FA Trophy semi-finals, I would even narrow that down to Morecambe and Stevenage.

Although we may think that it will be tough going into the play-offs again after another good season, it was not so long ago that there was only one promotion place. By now the season would almost be over.

We have experience of the last two play-offs and I believe that will stand us in good stead going into this one.

The belief is that you do not flog players at this time of the year when very often there are two matches a week so the training is adjusted accordingly.

I am not getting soft in my old age but the players are having two days off this week as rest is as important as training.

In every session we do it is quality rather than quantity. The sessions don't last long but while they are on the players have to work at the right tempo and we will keep them mentally and physically fresh for the battles ahead.