ANDY King wants his players to banish the ghost of Cheltenham tonight and spark a realistic charge for sixth spot.

Town's next three games are against struggling teams and a nine-point haul could dramatically change the top six picture.

Bobby Gould's Whaddon Road outfit provide the first challenge and King knows that victory tonight is crucial on two levels.

He said: "If we can start against Cheltenham as we left off against QPR then I don't have a fear in a world. I've told them it's a case of 'same again' lads.

"But there is no doubt that this match gives us all the chance to wipe away the unpleasant memories of the match at Cheltenham in September."

King was roundly jeered that night by fans who called for his head during a lamentable display, two players turned on the spectators baiting them and chairman Willie Carson was confronted by angry fans after the match.

The Town boss said: "It was the lowest point for me and the lowest point for the club.

"This game will remind me of that awful night at Cheltenham and also the fact that Bobby Gould was one of those who was very quick to offer his services to the club at that bad time.

"I have made the players aware that this is a chance for them to wipe away the bad taste from the Cheltenham game.

"But the win is just as important to keep the play-off situation a reality.

"We have three games coming up and if we get nine points from those games we can start to look at what could be achievable by the end of the season.

"But the problem comes if we lose a game. That's not a luxury we can afford."

But whatever the final league position, King will have few complaints.

He said: "The lads have been tremendous and the attitude has been first class.

"I have a good bunch here and it is pretty much the same faces who lifted us out of the rut.

"But being able to bring new players in was a massive lift for this club, when Neil Ruddock went and the embargo was lifted.

"And the fact is we brought in the right players to add to what we already had."

A play-off spot is a long shot but King and his players will push for it until it becomes mathematically impossible.

He said: "They all want to go for it, whether they get there is another matter."

King's preparations for tonight's match are being hampered by injuries.

Jon Beswetherick, Matty Hewlett and Danny Invincible all missed training again yesterday and the trio are expected to have late fitness tests ahead of kick-off.

Young midfielder Chris Taylor joined the first team squad at Wanborough and could figure on the bench tonight.

Town's reserves were due to visit Bournemouth today in the Avon Insurance Combination (2pm). Malcolm Crosby's men were hoping to bounce back after a 4-1 mauling by Bristol City last week.