Manager Graham Coughlan knows the level of the challenge that lies ahead of his side as Newport County prepare to face Bradford City tomorrow afternoon (3pm).
The Bantams currently sit ninth in the league standings two points short of Barrow who occupy the last play-off spot.
The West Yorkshire side are six games unbeaten in the league and have only suffered three home defeats since January 6, but Coughlan says his young side must embrace the occasion ahead of them as they look to bounce back from the late agony of defeat to Salford City last weekend.
“We want to finish the season with a win,” said Coughlan.
“It would be great to do that for the club, the fans, the players and I think we need to win on Saturday really.
“Personally, it’s not been healthy over the last few weeks so we do want to finish the season on a high. If that’s possible with a win tomorrow then great, but for our own sake we just want to stop the bleeding.
“Winning is all that counts in football. I’m realistic, and I understand the frustration, I understand what one for two people are thinking, I get it. I may not agree with all of it but I do get it. I’d like to win tomorrow but the question is can we win?
“Make no bones about it, it’s going to be a brilliant game. I’d love to be able to pull my boots on and go out there in front of 22,000 fans and represent the club and go in the mixer with the lads.
“It’s definately going to be a hostile arena. We’re going to need to manage the occasion the same as their players so it’s one I’m really looking forward too, if I’m honest.
“I don’t particularly like the stage we’re in at this moment in time but If ever you wanted a game to come out of that to finish the season, and a hostile atmosphere and challenge in football, then there you go.
“It would be right up my street and you will see what one or two players are made of. They will either step up to the challenge or they will melt because it’s definitely a hostile arena. It’s Bradford’s players as well that will need to handle the occasion.
“I know that they are giving their best and I know that they are trying, that’s not in doubt, but it’s just the quality moments offensively and defensively that we need to be better at. That comes with experience, nous, legs, energy and confidence.
“If you want to be a winner, if you want to be successful and be at this club next year, you need to turn up."
He added: “Bradford will be bouyant and they will be up for it. I watched them against Barrow and I thought they were excellent in the week.
“The luxury they’ve got is strength and depth. They have a system that works for them and a system that they have stuck with throughout.
“They overload the wide areas, cross the ball well and Andy Cook is a handful up top. They were doing all the things we were good at recently. It’s a going to be a tough, tough afternoon and we need to be at it.
“If ever you could restore confidence, pride, professional standards and give a little bit back to your club it would be this game.”
You can watch Graham Coughlan's full pre-match press conference HERE.
