Bromsgrove Rovers manager Bernard Mackie believes the team's promotion hopes are not over, but finishing in an automatic slot is almost impossible.

Mackie admits that after Saturday's 3-1 home defeat to joint leaders Ashford Rovers have no chance of finishing in the top two of the Southern League Division One West.

However, he does still think that Rovers can go up through the play-offs.

Mackie said: "The top four places in the league are now probably nailed on.

"It's disappointing because we wanted to finish in the top two.

"We are fighting for fifth or sixth place now with quite a few teams, so it's going to be very tough."

"Even if we want to finish in the top six we are going to have to win six games in a row to give ourselves a chance."

Mackie also criticised the team for its lacklustre display at home to Ashford.

He and manager Jimmy Mullen kept the team in the dressing room for almost an hour after a dismal performance against Ashford.

Mackie said: "The defending was non-existent for all three goals.

"Their first goal was a good finish, but there was not a defender ten yards near him.

"But the whole team are to blame for defeat, not just the defence, we did not defend like a team. It was the worst performance since I came to the club.

"To concede three goals in the way we did was terrible."

Rovers have struggled all season against the main teams chasing promotion, losing to Swindon Supermarine and Willenhall Town twice.

Chairman Tom Herbert is hoping for an instant reply after Saturday's defeat.

He said: "We are the lowest in the league since I joined the club.

"There's an AGM coming up and the team will be reviewed there."

Mullen was set to speak with Atherstone Town striker Roy Dunkley and Barwell hitman Danny Spencer on Monday. Rovers' game against Thame United kicks off at 1pm on Sunday, December 18 at Aylesbury United's ground because of a fixture clash.

l Half price season tickets are available for Rovers. If interested call the club on 01527 876949.

By Peter McKinney