Ramsgate manager Steve Lovell feels maximum points from final three games will secure play-off place

Steve Lovell believes maximum points in the last three games will get Ramsgate in the Isthmian South East play-offs.

Rams slipped out of the top five for the first time since January when they lost 1-0 at home to Haywards Heath in Lovell’s first game in charge on Saturday.

They’re sixth, two points behind Herne Bay, going into the busy Easter weekend, but all is not lost.

Rams are at Lovell’s former club, second-placed Ashford, on Saturday and host Whitstable on Easter Monday before finishing the regular season at Chichester on Saturday week.

“Herne Bay are in there at the moment but it’s not over yet,” said Lovell. “We feel three victories will get us in the play-offs and that’s what we’ve got to aim for.

“We can only do what we can and try and give the players a bit of confidence.

“There’s the nucleus of a good team but obviously things have gone a bit astray over the last month for one reason or another and that needs to be addressed.

“We’re not miracle-workers but hopefully we get through these last three games and get the wins we need.

“We know Ashford won’t be easy. I’ve known Tommy Warrilow for many years and he’s done a great job there.

“But it’s a good game to play in, players love games like this, when everything matters on it, and we’re looking forward to it.

“Whatever happens, happens but as long as the boys give everything and work hard, that’s all you can do.”

Ramsgate placed Lovell in charge, initially until the end of the season, following Matt Longhurst’s departure last week.

He couldn’t halt their losing run, which stands at five matches after Sinn Christie’s first-half goal for Haywards Heath, but took heart from the performance.

“We went 1-0 down but the heads didn’t drop, we kept going and were the