Heathcote seeks perfect finale
11:41am Thursday 17th April 2008
THERE can be no more slip-ups as Alty struggle to maintain their Blue Square Premier status.
Everything rests on the final two games of the season, with the Robins sitting just two points above the relegation zone, embroiled in a bitter fight till the end.
Last Saturday's 3-1 win over Salisbury was just the boost they needed but manager Graham Heathcote knows his side can afford nothing less than six points from two tough away trips.
The first hurdle is Saturday's trip to Ebbsfleet before a potential relegation decider at Weymouth on the final day of the season and Heathcote is confident his side can do what is required.
HE told SAM Sport: "We have just got to get on with it. There's two games to go and if we win both of them we should stay up, I don't think the other results will really matter if we do that.
"I'm glad the end's near now because it's been such a difficult season on so many levels.
"But we have done really well of late. We've had a few unlucky results, like losing to a last minute goal at Burton and a wonder strike at Aldershot, and could quite easily have been higher in the table.
"We have done well away from home and if you look at the performances since the start of the year, you would say we have been better than a relegation side.
"We've had a very unfortunate season and there are a few games we could quite easily have won."
Heathcote also reserved praise for his team's 12th man.
He said: "I was very pleased with the supporters against Salisbury, they turned out in numbers and were very vociferous in their support.
"If the season comes down to Weymouth on the last day, I'm sure we'll have strong support down there with us.
"I wouldn't push people to go down there because it's a big trip but I'm confident we'd take a few hundred.
"Our fans have been fantastic and the team appreciate that."