HAVING seen his side force their way back into Conference South play-off contention, Basingstoke Town manager Jason Bristow now wants them to push on with an unbeaten run.

Saturday’s 3-1 win at Eastbourne Borough saw Town move up to eighth in the table and while results elsewhere on Tuesday night mean they now sit 10th, they are just three points outside the play-off positions.

A couple more wins could see Basingstoke climb into the top five – but the table is so congested that one defeat is likely to result in them dropping down the standings.

Bristow said: “It’s very, very tight in the table and we are in a good position, but it is important that we do not allow that to slide.

“We have had chances to climb the table before but have not been able to take advantage, so it’s important that we pick up points and go on a bit of an unbeaten run, making sure that we do not lose if we are unable to win games.

“We are disappointed not to be higher up but pleased that we are as close as we are, having dropped so many points. Now we have to make sure that we do not drop as many points in the second half of the season.”

Next up for Basingstoke is a home game against fourth-placed Sutton United, who boast a very strong side, particularly in forward areas.

“Sutton have got some very good players and are a very good attacking side. Their front six are very comfortable on the ball and I expect them to try to play through us. We need to make sure that does not happen.

“A lot of managers have said that they are one of the best teams they have come up against but we just have to worry about ourselves. If we perform like we did last Saturday, then we will have every chance.”

Bristow’s only injury worry concerns midfielder Andrew Jenkinson, who is a doubt for Saturday’s game after picking up a quad problem during Tuesday’s win over Whitchurch United.

Visit basingstokegazette.co.uk/sport for live text coverage of Saturday’s game from the Camrose.