GRAVESEND manager Andy Ford is urging people in the town to rally round and support his players in Saturday’s crucial match at home to Halifax.

Only victory in their final game of the season at Stonebridge Road will guarantee the Fleet’s survival in the Nationwide Conference and avoid the ignominy of instant relegation back to the Ryman League after one season among semi-professional football’s elite.

Although the club enjoy a superior goal difference than third-from-bottom Leigh RMI and Southport, who are immediately below them, Ford said: “We have to go out against Halifax and be positive and win.

“We are desperate to stay in the Conference and I’m hoping the town will turn out to help pull the boys through. I would have preferred to have gone into Saturday’s game needing just the one point.

“But that isn’t the case and we have to get all three at home while keeping our fingers crossed regarding the other teams who are down there.”

Halifax, former members of the Football League, are out of contention for a play-off place as they rest in the Conference comfort zone in eighth place.

Of the Fleet’s companions in distress, Leigh RMI play away to relegated Kettering, Woking are at home to Telford, Southport play at Stevenage while Nuneaton entertain Farnborough.

Fleet's midfielder Mark Bentley is available for Saturday’s match after completing a three-match suspension while top-scorer Che Stadhart is available after attending a family bereavement in Jamaica.