MIDFIELDER Mark Molesley says it is 'all hands to the pumps' as Exeter City bid to keep their play-off dreams afloat.
The Grecians host promotion-chasers Cheltenham Town on Saturday in a match that could define the respective seasons of both clubs.
Paul Tisdale's men are on a poor run of form – they have picked up just one point from their last five games.
But former Bournemouth midfielder Molesley, who signed for City in January, has urged his teammates to look forward, not back.
"It is obviously all hands to the pumps now," said the 32-year-old. "It is coming to the business-end of the season so everything matters and things do not come easy.
"We have had a disappointing couple of weeks now but you can't dwell on that for too long – you have to look ahead to the next game.
"When you come in on a Monday morning after some of the results we have had recently the place isn't exactly buzzing.
"But, having said that, as soon as you get out onto the training pitch and get a sweat on then you soon forget about it and start looking forward.
"You just have to focus on the next game and try to not look back on the last one too much."
City had a huge slice of fortune on Tuesday, with Bradford City remaining just one point in front as they lost their game in hand 2-0 at home to Rotherham.
The good luck did not stop there as Plymouth Argyle – where Molesley had a loan spell prior to his Grecians move – recorded an unlikely 2-1 away win over Chesterfield to ensure that the Spireites remain three points behind City.
The Grecians play Chesterfield at the Proact Stadium on the final day of the season.
But Molesley, who also had spells at Aldershot Town and Cambridge City, said City's players are not looking that far forward, and are staying focused on the Robins this Saturday.
"The manager has his own style and ways of preparing for each game and we have spent a lot of time talking about how to beat Cheltenham," he said.
"We spend a lot of time on preparation at the club when we are training and the manager is very thorough, so hopefully that will pay off."
Molesley admits his own form has been 'on and off' since completing his move to St James's Park.
After a promising start – including a star performance in City's 3-0 win at Morecombe – Molesley was sent off in the 2-0 victory at Port Vale.
After losing his spot in the team due to a dip in form, the Hillingdon-born player has struggled to regain his spot in the starting XI.
But Molesley insists his spell out of the side is a great source of motivation for him in training as he looks to return to the fold.
"My own form has been on and off really. The last couple of weeks obviously haven't been ideal," he said.
"The results haven't been great and I haven't been playing much so hopefully that will improve.
"But you just have to get your head down, work hard and look ahead to the next match.
"Every team has their own system and there are some subtle differences which I have been getting used to.
"But the main aim for me now is training hard and getting back into the team and helping the lads do well."
