MALVERN TOWN manager Les Jones insists his side need to win their remaining seven games of the season to secure a top five finish.
The Hillsiders currently sit sixth in the West Midlands Regional League Premier Division after claiming successive league wins over the Easter weekend against title-chasing AFC Bridgnorth and mid-table Wellington.
However, with a host of sides around them also vying for a top five finish and subsequent FA Cup qualification, Jones told the Observer his side need to win all of their remaining games to stand any chance of reaching their target.
“To put it simply, we just have to keep winning until the end of the season to finish in fifth,” he said.
“You only have to look at the table to see sides around us have games in hand but I’d rather have points on the board than have games in hand.
“The performance against Bridgnorth on Saturday was really good and we were the better side throughout, then on Monday against Wellington I was delighted to see the squad walk away with the three points even though we were not at our best.
“A lot of our lads had been playing on the Sunday too in cup competitions that had gone to extra time so we were very tired.
“But to have got nine points over the last three games is a real bonus for us.”
Malvern’s next game sees them make the journey to Bilston Town Community and Jones will be without the suspended Dave Reynolds, Bryan Craven (ankle) and midfielder Phil Harris.
Striker Ben Hayes, who was substituted midway through the first half against Wellington due to a tweak on his hamstring, is doubtful while Anthony Smith is also in line for an appearance.
However, despite Bilston’s lowly league position, Jones maintains his side must not take anything for granted.
“There are no easy fixtures in this league as every team is hard working and has quality players,” he said.
“I’d happily take a 1-0 victory at Bilston but we are confident that we can go there and get a positive result.
“It’s not about how many goals we score, it’s just about getting the result.”
