Last updated at 11:52, Saturday, 05 May 2012

Former Carlisle United boss John Ward insists his Colchester side will show “integrity” today by setting Notts County the toughest possible test.

John Ward

The Us boss, in charge at Carlisle when the Blues last made the play-offs in 2008, can have a big say in the outcome of the race for sixth place today.

If Ward’s side take at least a point from Meadow Lane it will give United a chance of claiming sixth. But a Colchester defeat would spell the end for the Blues’ hopes whatever the result at Oldham.

The Essex side have little to play for in 10th place but Ward pledged he would not ease off today, partly out of respect for the play-off contenders such as Carlisle.

“Notts County have got an opportunity to get into the play-offs, along with two other teams, and it’s vital we maintain the integrity of our football club by giving them as difficult a game as we possibly can with the strongest team we have at our disposal,” Ward said.

“This is a big weekend for a number of clubs and so, for the sake of everyone and for ourselves in particular, we’ve got to protect our integrity and go out to win.”

Notts boss Keith Curle has tried to take the heat off his Notts County side today by insisting their opportunity to finish sixth today is a surprise.

“I don’t think anybody would have envisaged that on the last game of the season the football club could potentially go into the Play-Offs,” he said.

“But now that’s given the opportunity, if we get our result right and Bury can do us a favour, or Stevenage not taking advantage of being in sixth place and clear favourites to go up.

“You never know, we might sneak it.”

JColman@cngroup.co.uk

First published at 08:58, Saturday, 05 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk