Rob Smith wants AFC Telford United to target third place in the Blue Square North – as they host Harrogate tonight in the first of five games in nine days.

The Bucks play four league games by next Wednesday evening as well as the Setanta Shield final at Forest Green on Thursday.

And boss Smith wants to come out of that run with a spot in the promotion play-offs as good as guaranteed.

“The object is to go into the Southport (on April 18) game pretty well assured of a play-off place,” said the Telford chief.

“We don’t want to go into that last week of the season needing too many points. Before Saturday I set a target of 15 points and we still need to get another 12.

“Four wins would do it and I’m not really fussed what position we finish, though the higher the better.

“It’s a tall order to catch Gateshead in the fixtures remaining so we need to try and get that third spot.”

Smith is certainly not taking Harrogate’s threat lightly this evening, especially as they remain in play-off contention themselves.

The Yorkshire side looked to be in trouble earlier in the season as financial worries took their toll, but recent results have been encouraging.

“They’ve done really well since the budget cuts they’ve had,” added Smith.

“They’re playing with freedom now and were pretty impressive on Saturday (in a 2-2 draw with leaders Tamworth), apparently.

“They’re still definitely in the play-off race but we can effectively dent their hopes by winning tonight.”

Telford will be without on-loan midfielder Phil Trainer, the Oxford man still struggling with ankle ligament problems.

Striker Danny Carey-Bertram (hamstring) could return – with Smith insisting he will be ready to face his old club Forest Green on Thursday if tonight proves too soon.

By CHRIS HUDSON