ROYAL Wootton Bassett Town manager Rich Hunter has warned his troops they have to be at the top of their game if they are to come away with a result this weekend.

Saturday’s Hellenic Premier Division clash with third-placed Flackwell Heath is the first of a tough run of fixtures for Bassett, who come up against the top three in their next three outings.

Hunter’s side were boosted by last weekend’s 3-1 win over Longlevens but the Bassett boss thinks his team will need to step it up again.

“We need to lift our performance. We have to be at our very best to beat the top three teams,” said Hunter.

“Last weekend, there was a big improvement from three or four weeks ago but we still need to take it to the next level now. That will be crucial. If we are able to lift ourselves, I know we can challenge, but we have to be on it.

“They’re going to be very tough games. We know we will be the underdogs in all three but we will go into them with confidence.

“We will play as well as we can and we have nothing to lose, the pressure is on all three of those teams.

“We just need to maintain our focus and confidence until the end of the season and pick up as many points as we can.”

During the week, Bassett welcomed a new arrival to the club after Hunter signed central defender Zach Costello from Toolstation League side Corsham Town.

With just five league games left, the Bassett boss admits he has already started thinking about next season and reminded his players they need to play for their places in the squad.

“When I have my best players available, I think we can challenge the top teams in the league,” added Hunter.

“We are looking at next season but we still want to finish as high up as we can because there is still plenty to play for.

“Any manager starts to look at his team towards the end of the season, I know how good my players are and I don’t want to lose any of them.

“Everyone is fighting for their shirt and a place in the first 11. You always have to play well and stand out to the management team to get a spot for next season.”