BASINGSTOKE Town goalkeeper Scott Tarr has backed the side to emerge from their recent slump and go on to achieve their target of making the Nationwide South play-offs.

The 33-year-old ex-captain believes Town have got what it takes to get back on track after a lean period since Christmas of just one point from 12.

That poor run, against predominately bottom-of-the-table clubs, has seen Ernie Howe's side slip to their lowest league spot all season - sixth - and outside the play-off places for the first time.

The Town boss is worried that the current problems are more deep-seated than a mere blip, and that the players risk throwing away all their good work if the free-fall continues while others gain ground.

He made his anger and frustrations known, as did his assistant Pete Peters, by giving the players an hour-long ear-bashing inside their dressing room after Saturday's 2-0 defeat at then-basement side Carshalton Athletic.

Shot-stopper Tarr felt Howe was right to do that - and he is equally sure the players won't let their manager down again and will respond positively to the criticism.

The big goalie said: "The management had to say what they felt and it was hard for some to hear, but the truth does hurt.

"The display against Carshalton wasn't acceptable and we know it. Things have to improve, but the good thing about Ernie and Pete is they don't dwell on negative things.

"At training on Tuesday, we were looking ahead to putting things right and getting through this blip.

"We cannot change what has happened in the past few games, but we can do something about proving that we are still in the fight for the play-offs and can make them."

Tarr, Town's longest-serving player with more than 250 appearances, said he doesn't see the bubble bursting, and believes the side can step up their promotion push.

He added: "I believe that the squad has the character to come back from the poor period since Christmas. We have a young squad - some of whom are still adapting to the rigours of a full non-League season and are struggling a bit at the moment - but this is a new test of strength for our younger players.

"It's one I believe will determine the careers of two or three of them, who I certainly think can play at a higher level. Having the ability is one thing, but you need mental strength too and we're going to find out if they have it. I hope they prove they do."

The under-performing players were warned at the weekend that some may be sacrificed in order to acquire fresh blood - which is what Howe believes is needed to re-spark form and momentum.

And in the active pursuit of one such target this week, Howe was hopeful the necessary paperwork could be completed in time for tomorrow's crucial encounter against Weymouth.

Tarr said: "It's no secret Ernie and Pete are trying hard to bring in new blood, but it's difficult with budget restraints.

"They may be able to bring one or two in but, ultimately, it's going to be up to the majority of us who've been here all season to get the club in the play-offs."

He added: "Speaking personally, there are a few senior players, like myself, Jason Bristow and Neville Roach, who want to get new contracts and stay at the club next season. The better we do this season, the better chance we have."

Tarr continued: "We've achieved our first goal - staying in the league - but can we go on and achieve the second of making the play-offs?

"It's clear we aren't going to get relegated this season, but obviously now our expectations have grown and we want to be in the play-offs come May."

Tomorrow's Gazette-sponsored fixture at the Camrose against Weymouth (kick-off 3pm) is crucial to that ongoing hope, for it pits sixth versus eighth.

Howe said he hopes to have the much-needed physical presence of Ricky Allaway and Martin Whiddett back in the fold, as both have resumed training after injury.

"It's an interesting fixture, given how close we are in the table," said Howe. "Weymouth enjoy good support so we should have a packed Camrose.

"They got beaten on Saturday like us, and we know it will be difficult to try to get our season going again. But, hopefully, my lads will have enough about them to do that."