Boston United have 'potential to put gap' between them and play-off rivals as they head to Southport

Boston United manager Craig Elliott was thankful for a blank week ahead of a potentially season-defining run of games for the Pilgrims.

Darlington’s involvement in the FA Trophy on Saturday, plus Tuesday night's postponement against Gateshead, allowed United to take a breather before three games in quick succession, two of which are against play-off rivals.

Today's trip to Southport and the visit of Brackley the following on Tuesday will be followed by a home game against Kidderminster Harriers the following weekend.

And Elliott knows while his side can make inroads into the play-off battle, they can also lose valuable ground.

“They’re all games against teams in and around us,” said Elliott.

“There’s a potential to put a gap between us and some of the teams below us.

“They are tough games though, against teams in the mix for the play-offs and it’s important that if we can’t win them, we don’t lose and allow them to gain points on us.”

Five wins and a draw from their last eight fixtures have propelled the Pilgrims to fifth in the play-off race, four places but just one point ahead of Southport.

A home clash with Brackley follows the trip to Merseyside and Elliott knows the Saints will provide his side with an important benchmark as they eye a run into the top seven.

“They’re a good side with a good budget," he added.

“They’ve been in and around the top three for the last few seasons and we’ve not got a great record against them.

“But if we want to be up there we need to be beating teams like that.”

Andi Thanoj, Alex Whittle and Alex Penny are all hoped to be fit for today's contest (KO 3pm).