Banbury United boss Billy Jeffrey says his side need to play the game of their lives when they travel to Premier Division leaders Corby Town for Saturday's must-win game.
The relegation-threatened Puritans not only have to win in Northamptonshire, but have to rely on play-off chasers Oxford City winning at Clevedon to pull off the great escape.
But Jeffrey says cool heads are needed if they are to pull off only their second win of the season.
“It’s going to be an interesting day,” said Jeffrey, whose side went down to a strong Oxford United 2-1 in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup final on Tuesday.
“We’ve got to go there and look for a win. But we can’t go gung-ho – we have to be patient.
“There’s other games going on, but we have to concentrate on our job.
“I have watched Corby and they are a good side, with a big budget – that’s why they are top of the league.
“But over the last few weeks, I have seen our lads battle and show on the day we can beat anyone in this league.”
Jeffrey added: “In the second half of the cup final we got back in it. Their keeper has made some good saves – the one from Jon Gardner was fantastic.
“I’m slightly disappointed at the result, but very pleased with our attitude.”
Striker Howard Forinton (broken ribs) and Scott Bridges (groin ) faces late tests.
Richard Groves is added.
He added: “The players have to keep their heads and play the game of their lives.”
Oxford City’s assistant manager Mike Ford says the players have to forget about Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat at Brackley and concentrate on winning at Clevedon.
City can reach the play-offs if they win at Clevedon and Gloucester triumph at Hemel Hempstead.
He said: “It was disappointing to lose at Brackley, but we are still in there fighting.
“We are pretty sure that Gloucester will play a strong team at Hemel, but if we don’t win at Clevedon then we won’t be in with a shout.
“If we help Banbury by winning at Clevedon and Gloucester do their bit, then we will be in fifth spot.”
Striker Andy Baird and midfielder Dave Savage should return, though Alex Fisher (hamstring) is out.
Banbury Utd (v Corby Tn, away): from Murrell, Stringfellow, Buckewell, Bennett, Redknap, Bridges, Haisley, Stone, Gordon, Gardner, Peppiatt, Sambrook, Bryan, Forinton, Groves.
Oxford C (v Clevedon Tn, away): from Harrison, Lambert, Ballard, Gunn, Pond, Savage, Lyon, Malone, Faulconbridge, Baird, Bell, Clarke, Fisher, Faulkner, R Brooks, Williams.
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