IN THE WAKE of their cup-final defeat, Town still have a bit to prove before the season ends this weekend, reveals manager Peter Smith.

"Yes, we were disappointed about the cup final, but it says a lot about the squad that we picked ourselves up again against Belper Town on Saturday at home and gave a good performance.

"What has com shining through from many of our displays is that we haven't been far away off the top bracket this year.

"We've actually beaten most of the leading sides and injuries to players like Stuart Cliff and Jamie Sheppard, and others too, have cost us, but these sort of things happen.

"There have been plenty of times, too, when we have lost by the odd goal when we did enough to have won and that is something we can work upon."

Town stand on 61 points in joint tenth place, the same at Workington, whom they met at Borough Park last night (Thursday).

Smith explained: "We want to finish as high as possible and it will be a hard derby game because they like to beat us and we feel the same way about them."

And he added that he would use the Workington fixture and the final match of the season away at Kidsgrove Athletic on Saturday as a chance to assess players.

"The lads have enjoyed the success this season and it is something we must consolidate upon by showing the same passion, commitment and will-to-win.

"They've all done well, but they know that I will be looking to strengthen the squad and bring two or three players in and that means someone has to go ."

Smith paid tribute to Bruce Richardson, who is retiring as assistant manager/physio to move and live in Cyprus.

"He's been a massive help to me. He's a lot of experience at this level and is a great bolke and I will miss him next year."

Town's end-of-season presentation night takes place at The Park on Saturday and the squad set off for a short break in Amsterdam next week.

April 25, 2003 10:30