NEIL Tolson is backing Altrincham's defensive resilience to see off the threat of relegation and help safeguard their place in the National League.

Alty continue their survival quest at Kidderminster on Saturday after a 1-0 defeat at Halifax and 1-1 home draw with Southport over the Easter weekend left them perilously positioned in the final relegation place.

But caretaker-boss Tolson remained positive about their prospects of beating the drop.

He said: "In my opinion, we are better organised defensively now than a week ago, and that's not having a pop at Lee (Sinnott) or anyone else.

"We just look a harder team to beat, and that's a good sign.

"We've gone from conceding maybe 10-12 chances a game to conceding hardly any.

"Over the last three games, you could probably count them on one hand, and I'm pleased with the defensive side of our game, with the exception of 10 seconds at Halifax and 10 seconds against Southport.

"Unfortunately, the position we're in at the moment, you get punished for every single mistake.

"But I would never question the character of our dressing room. The players will keep going.

"They will pick themselves up quickly and dust themselves down equally quickly.

"There will be ups and downs between now and the end of the season, but we can't look too far ahead. All our focus is on Kidderminster next Saturday."

Alty, who hope to have defenders Marcus Holness and Sam Heathcote fit for selection for the trip to Kidderminster, have been given permission to wear special cancer awareness shirts against Bromley at The J.Davidson Stadium on April 9.

In an initiative by Alty goalkeeping coach and SK Kits owner Ian Senior, the players will wear a one-off purple strip, with all funds generated going to local cancer charities. Replica shirts will be available to buy, while bids are invited for those worn by the players, with further details available from the club on 0161 928 1045.

"We raised nearly £2,500 last time we did it, so it would be great if we could at least match that, if not exceed it," said Senior.