Pilley; Nothing's impossible for Fleetwood

Town go into the final day assured of a play-off spot but still with a chance of automatic promotion if they beat Port Vale at Highbury and second-placed Bolton lose at home to Peterborough.

Speaking at this week’s awards night, Pilley stressed anything is possible as he recalled the final day of the 2005-06 season, when Town pipped Kendal to promotion from the third tier of non-league with a 5-1 win over Brigg Town.

Pilley said: “I’m sure many people will remember we needed Kendal to lose at home and we had to beat Brigg with a four-goal swing to go up on the last day. We did in with a penalty in the last minute.

“What we do need is the town behind us. We need everyone cheering the team on Sunday.

“I think it is important that all the supporters give the players and everyone around the club a round of applause and some recognition for the great achievements this season.

“If it is to be, it will happen; if not, we are in the play-offs and with the form we are in I really fancy us.”

It was a different story this time last year, when Town avoided relegation by beating Crewe on the final day. Pilley said: “I’m so proud. It has been an incredible season so far, full of incredible memories. The team has a never-say-die attitude.

“We have a fantastic bunch of people associated with the club and the supporters are integral.

“At the start of the season I believed in this squad and thought the quality of the players was undoubted.

“I knew they were capable of a good season. I said I thought we could finish top eight and a lot of the supporters thought I was mad!

“As it stands we are top three and (head coach) Uwe Rosler has been an absolute pleasure to work with as have Rob Kelly and the rest of the managerial team. It has been very hard work but great fun and it just feels like an incredible adventure.”

Port Vale will arrive at Highbury with everything to play for in their relegation battle on Sunday, after Chris Eagles’ late winner at Walsall last night threw them a lifeline.

That 1-0 win moved the Valiants within a point of safety, though they will probably need to beat Fleetwood to have a fighting chance of staying up at the expense of Gillingham or Bury.