Reed said the fans' support is just as important as the players' performances as the club strives for a play-off spot and a chance to win promotion to the Blue Square Conference North League next season.

"We've got three games to go and we need four points to get into the play-offs," Reed said.

"These lads have had a bloody fantastic season and to get them through that last hurdle and into the play-offs would be amazing for their first season in this league.

"If people want Conference North football, they've got to give Conference North support. If you want a peak of 350/400 people, you're only ever going to be a Uniobond Premier team.

"Another 200 people through the gates will give us enough money to buy another three quality players, which we will need for next year.

"Please get there in your numbers for the last few matches and support the team. We want everyone in Buxton to turn out.

"The play-offs are very much alive. They are still 100 per cent on our agenda. We are not asking any favours from anybody, we know what we've got to do. We want four points from Marine and Frickley and then we'll be in the play-offs. That is a fantastic position to be in with three games to go.

"I just hope people come to the last few games. I will be very surprised if we don't have towards 700 people there on Saturday.

"We want to try and make it as hostile as we can. They (Marine) will be coming to try and spoil our party."

Tuesday night's defeat at home to Gateshead may have dented the players' pride somewhat, but their push for a play off place is still very much on track.

Speaking of the game, Reed said: "I thought that was the best performance I've seen in 20 years from a non league team. Gateshead were absolutely brilliant in every department, they didn't have any weaknesses.

"They were just passing the ball for fun and it was great to see.

"We played some good football and matched them in the first half but to be fair, after that, we were just not in it.

"But what you've got to remember is that we had five first team players out while they had a full squad with not one person missing. Grant Black even had injections before the game just to get him through it.

"There were four teenagers in my squad, Jack Grindey, Mark Balfe, Jason Bradley and Paul Walker and their lads have probably played something like 1500 league games between them.

"We have to not dwell on it now and freshen everything up for Saturday. Gregg (Anderson) will be back, hopefully we might have Blackie (Grant Black) and Tony Lennon back. I don't know about Turls (James Turley) yet.

"Please get behind the lads. I know we haven't given you much to shout about lately but if you support a team, you have to support them through good times and bad."