As Salisbury's campaign closes, Holmes urges the Whites to bow out victorious
NICK Holmes is urging Salis-bury City to close the campaign on a high with the visit of Wealdstone on Saturday, writes Mike Turner.
The City boss, whose side stretched their unbeaten away run to six games with their 2-1 success at Hendon, said: "We've averaged 500 or so supporters for our home matches in a season where frankly we haven't given them a lot to shout about.
"The fans have been brilliant but at home I don't think they've really seen the best of us. For some reason we've played our best football away from home."
"We've turned in some quality performances on our travels, so a win and a good performance would be a nice way to repay the fans before breaking up for the summer."
However, just as they came unstuck against relegation-threatened Harrow Borough a fortnight ago, Holmes knows struggling Wealdstone will arrive at Old Sarum looking to spoil City's end of season party.
"There's a lot of ifs and buts about what can happen to Wealdstone," added Holmes.
"Technically they could still go down. I think they need a point to be absolutely sure of staying up, so it'll be a real test of character for our players.
"I'd like to think that if we were in the same situation and having to battle for a point on the last day of the season we'd be up for it."
Holmes believes one of the reasons for City's poor home results in their first campaign in the Ryman League may stem from the opposition relishing the chance to play on one of the best surfaces in the division.
"Teams have come to us and enjoyed the opportunity to play on our pitch.
"The standard at some of the grounds this season hasn't been that great. But when these teams have arrived here they've shown they can play a bit."
Wealdstone would be relegated should they lose at Salisbury and both Cheshunt and Harrow Borough win their final games.
Meanwhile, Yeading clinched the Premier Division title and promotion to the Conference South with Saturday's 1-1 draw with Leyton.
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