RAPHAEL Branco insists time is still on Swindon Town’s side to win automatic promotion to the Championship before the end of the season.

A goalless draw at Crewe Alexandra on Saturday meant Town have collected just four points from their last five matches.

That has seen them fall eight points off the pace of League One leaders Bristol City with 13 games to go.

Mark Cooper’s side dropped to fourth in the table following the stalemate at Gresty Road, having been leapfrogged by Preston, although they are actually closer to the automatic promotion places following a defeat for second-placed MK Dons at Coventry.

Defender Branco says the Town squad have plenty of confidence that they can reclaim a place in the top two before the campaign comes to an end.

“We still have 13 games, so we just need to keep winning games,” said 24-year-old Branco.

“We are playing good football and we did what we could (on Saturday).

“Preston got some points off us but we just have to keep playing and winning games.

“We are not far off second place and if we keep playing like we played today, we will be in second in the league.”

Town now turn their attentions to Tuesday’s clash against Gillingham at the County Ground, a must-win if they are to avoid the lottery of the play-offs come May.

With the fixtures starting to come thick and fast, Brazilian Branco says Swindon cannot afford to look too far ahead.

“When you play two or three games in the week, you just need to concentrate, sleep well, eat well, train well, and if you do those things properly, you will get the three points every game,” said Branco.

“We know it’s not easy when you play away at places like this but we should still have enough chances to win the league or get second place and get promoted.

“One point is not that bad but we are going home frustrated because we should have got the three points.

“We have got another game on Tuesday at home and we just need to make sure we do the work and make sure we get the three points.”