Derby D-Day (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Derby D-Day

VICTORY over Bristol City today would give Town the first of three wins Andy King views as essential to secure a Second Division play-off place.

More than 14,500 fans will pack into the County Ground for an eagerly anticipated derby and the manager is keen to make sure that it doesn't prove a one-off visit for a section of the home support.

King is urging the fans to help his team over the finishing line and extend the season just a little longer.

He said: "We need three wins between now and the end of the season to secure a play-off place.

"The quicker we get there, the better. Also, the more wins we build up, the more chance there is of still being involved in the automatic race.

"If we lose against Bristol City, then the automatic promotion situation is forgotten.

"There's probably more pressure on Bristol City to get a result in terms of going straight up.

"We've six semi-finals to play and this is the first of them."

King is hoping a full house will trigger the spark which was woefully lacking at Peterborough last week.

He said: "A full house will be fantastic and I'm looking forward to seeing it. The crowd have been tremendously supportive and vocal this year and the average gate shows progression.

"I'm hoping that the crowd and the passion generated will inspire my players and help them to victory.

"Maybe they (the fans) will realise their contribution and come again.

"We'd only be two home games away from crossing the finishing line.

"Perhaps this Bristol City match is an opportunity to bring back lost fans.

"I just hope there's no trouble and it's a great game of football."

King goes into today's match boosted on the injury front.

Skipper Matt Hewlett, Rhys Evans, Sean O'Hanlon and Andy Gurney are all expected to play today.

King said: "The test will come for them all in terms of having two games in three days.

"It tests you both physically and mentally.

"Injuries always seem worse when you've lost. If we win, I don't think you'll find anyone in the club with an injury.

"Eddie Howe will be involved. Maybe I'll get 20 minutes out of him."

King knows that Town will have to perform to a high level if he is to taste his first victory as a manager in this fixture.

Tightening up at the back is a 'must' if three points are to be banked.

He said: "Our goals against column isn't good enough and we need to defend as a team.

"Bristol City haven't scored goals in the manner that our strikers have but they are perfectly capable of scoring goals, as well as being disciplined and well organised.

"There's no doubt we face a tough challenge but it's one we're capable of overcoming.

"We are where we are after 40 games for a reason.

"It now comes down to who can control their nerves and who wants it the most."