BILLERICAY Town joint manager Grant Gordon admits that it would take a miracle for the New Lodge side to gain a place in the play-offs now.

Defeat at AFC Wimbledon last Saturday almost certainly ended their hopes of playing Blue Square South soccer next season.

"The midweek results mean that it's still mathematically possible for us to make the play-offs, but the chances of it happening are highly unlikely," Gordon said.

"It's a massive disappointment that we're probably going to miss out as I honestly believe that we're a better side than a number of those who will make it.

"There have been a number of factors, one being that when Jason Broom and I took over everything had been geared to our great FA Cup run and our league form had subsequently suffered.

"Also, we've had major injury problems and at vital times the rub of the green has gone against us.

"Against Wimbledon last week we could have been 3-0 up early on and their subsequent winning goal in the 92nd minute was very suspect as the ball was still rolling when they took the free-kick that led to it.

"The fact that the referee had pulled us up for a similar offence a little earlier made it all the worse."

Town may have skipper Jamie Dormer back from injury tomorrow as they host a Tonbridge Angels side whose recent good form has put them in with an excellent chance of making the play-offs.

"There's a long history of clubs who enjoy good cup runs falling just a little short in the league and the same thing could happen to Horsham," said Gordon.

"Once it becomes certain that we're not going to make it I expect one or two of the lads who've regularly been on the bench recently will be given a game in our last two matches.

"But we'll fight on until it's mathematically impossible and hope that miracles do happen."

Gordon added with a smile: "After all, they do say the sun shines on the righteous - let's hope they're right."

l Billericay follow Satur-day's match by holding their annual awards dinner at New Lodge.