Title looks beyond us now, says Adams

5:45am Saturday 1st March 2008

ROSS Adams says the Southern League Premier Division title is probably out of reach for Chippenham Town this season, but thinks reaching the play-offs is a must.

The Bluebirds defender has sat out the last three games after aggravating a knee ligament injury in the game against King's Lynn a fortnight ago.

He expects to return for today's game against Rugby Town at Hardenhuish Park.

Chippenham will need Adams on top of his game if they are to catch league leaders Team Bath, who have three games in hand and are four points ahead of The Bluebirds.

Adams said: "Realistically it's probably just a bit too far away from us as things stand.

"We've got to concentrate on winning as many of the remaining games as we can. If we win those games I would say we would probably be second or third.

"I would be very disappointed if we didn't make the play-offs having been in and around the top five all season.

"We fancy our chances against anyone in a one-off game and from the teams we've played at the top of the league I don't think there's anyone to fear.

"King's Lynn away was the only time we have been put under great pressure and all the teams we've taken points off."

Adams has been a mainstay at right full back this season, but was shifted into the centre by manager Adie Mings for several games in February.

Adams said: "I enjoyed playing centre back, it made a nice change. It's where I was playing before I came to Chippenham.

"We managed to string a few clean sheets together so that was quite pleasing.

"We had our critics at the start of the season, we were being bailed out by our attacking players, but we've managed to tighten up since Christmas.

"We know if we can keep clean sheets we will win nine games out of 10."