WITH 18 points to play for this season, a place within the play-offs is still well within our reach. The task is no more difficult now than it's ever been and whilst the opportunity is still there for us, you can rest assured that we will not be giving up on it.

It's fair to say that we've had a very difficult period of fixtures against a number of in-form teams, but we will continue to believe in ourselves and remain positive. The players have done fantastically well for me this season and for the youngsters in particular, this is all part of their learning curve.

We were stretched a little last weekend at Southend due to illness and injury, but we were able to start with some of the younger lads. I think that young players can only learn from having time on the pitch and it was a stern test for them against a strong side.

You tend to get spells in the season where things just don't seem to drop for you and we've had one of those spells recently. The key is to keep fighting and working hard until your luck turns, which it will.

It is important that we don't look too far ahead and just keep picking up points to keep ourselves in contention and see where it takes us.

On Saturday we take on a Tranmere Rovers side who also have their eyes on a place in the play-offs. They currently occupy the final play-off position, but there are a number of clubs, ourselves included, waiting in the wings to seize their place.

It's a big game for both clubs. I've spoken previously about the important role that you, the supporters, will play between now and the end of the season. We need everyone pulling in the same direction, as ultimately we all want the same thing.

This game is our latest Family Fun Day and I sincerely hope that the extra supporters who come along will be keen to return for future matches.

RICHARD MONEY