JOE Ford says Sale Sharks' late tries in the defeat to Bath means they go into tomorrow night's match against Gloucester on course for a top-six finish.

Securing two bonus points at the end of Saturday's 32-26 loss means that Sharks sit fifth in the Aviva Premiership table with two matches remaining. Collecting the full quota against Gloucester and Newcastle will secure a lucrative European Champions Cup place next season.

And with a spot in the top tier of European rugby at stake fly-half Ford says their fate is in their own hands.

"There are lots of positives to take out of that second half heading into Gloucester," he said. "Friday night is massive for us now.

"The top six is the goal, and with two games to go if we win them both we stay there, so that's the challenge. It's in our hands."

Bath had raced into a 17-0 lead on Saturday, with Ollie Devoto and Charlie Ewels touching down. However, Johnny Leota and Andrei Ostrikov got over the line to bring them to within three points.

Semesa Rokoduguni and Will Homer then scored tries to secure Bath's victory but TJ Ioane and Leota crossed for Sale as the clock ticked down.

"We were just in a position where we had to try and get two tries and thankfully, Johnny got it at the end," added Ford. "It's just a shame we didn't play like that for the rest of the game. It was a good fightback to get those two points."