THE race to secure a top-13 finish and place in the new Conference South league is hotting up for Town.

The vital three points gained on Saturday by the 3-0 win at Heybridge Swifts helped Ernie Howe's side close the gap on their nearest rivals for the coveted 13th spot.

Maidenhead United lost at the weekend, but drew 1-1 with Grays on Tuesday, which means Town are separated by just two points from them, 54 to 56.

Kettering won on Saturday to stay in 12th on 57 points, while Ford, who were also beaten at the weekend, are on 58 points in 11th.

However, Kettering have played one less game than Town. Now, with five games to go, all 450 minutes' remaining Isthmian football is vitally important for Howe's team and the club.

The Blues boss said: "I think the win at Heybridge will give us a bit of confidence, and it's good that a couple of other results also went our way.

"I've brought in another two players - German De La Vega and Stephen Hughes - that will hopefully give our midfield a boost.

"It was good to see Macca and Roachy playing well on Saturday, and I hope they will continue to show that form.

"We just have to make sure we work hard and keep our target of the new set-up in mind. That's the crux of it."

Town won't be helped in their quest by the loss of goalkeeper Scott Tarr, who is banned for the final three matches of the season following his red-card on Saturday.

And in case results don't go Town's way, there is a play-off system that they will be part of.

What follows is an explanation of how the Conference South set-up is compiled, and the play-offs criteria and match schedule.

Club allocation to the Con-ference North and Conference South is being made this summer. It will comprise of:

the three clubs relegated from the current Conference

the 36 clubs finishing in positions 2 to 13 in the Premier Divisions of the Isthmian, Northern Premier and Southern Leagues

five clubs successful in a series of play-off matches in the Isthmian, Northern Premier and Southern Leagues.

That makes the overall total 44 teams.

Arrangements for the play-off matches are set out below.

In each case the "position" refers to the position of the club in the respective premier divisions at the conclusion of season 2003/2004.

The sides finishing second to 13th in the Ryman Premier will be invited to join the Conference South, subject to meeting both the ground and financial criteria.

The sides finishing 14th to 20th, together with the winners of a play-off match between the champions of the Ryman division one north and south, will enter an eight-team play off.

The two winners will be invited to join the Conference South, subject to meeting both the ground and financial criteria, as follows:

Game 1 - champions of 1st division north will play the champions of 1st division south. Home club to be determined by the drawing of lots.

Game 2 - position 14 vs winner game 1

Game 3 - position 15 vs position 20

Game 4 - position 16 vs position 19

Game 5 - position 17 vs position 18

Game 6 - winner game 2 vs winner game 5

Game 7 - winner game 3 vs winner game 4

The winners of games 6 and 7 qualify for inclusion in the Conference South.