As Barnet, third in Division Three, prepare for a six-point battle with second placed Torquay at Plainmoor on Saturday, manager John Still calculates they need six wins from their last eight games to guarantee promotion

With Notts County 16 points clear, it looks like a four-horse race between Torquay, Barnet, Scarborough and Macclesfield to fill the two other automatic promotion slots.

"We can do it -- our form has been good and we're looking strong," said Still. "But a lot can happen and we need to stay focussed."

Still was delighted with Barnet's first-half display against Brighton. "We were terrific, but showed signs of nervousness in the second half," he said.

"It's a tough game for us at Torquay. The pressure will be there again, as it will for the rest of the season."

Still's right-hand man Mick Halsall pointed out Torquay will also be feeling the strain.

"The pressure is on them to win all their home games. We need to to contain them in the early play and then go for the win. Torquay are four points clear of us. We need to stop them going further clear, and also widen the gap over those behind us," he said.

Paul Wilson is available after suspension, as is John Doolan, who starts a three-match ban on Monday.

Torquay, who have won nine of their last 10 games, have been hit by a bug. Star striker Rodney Jack, midfielder Kevin Hill and wing-backs Paul Gibbs and Andy Gurney have all been laid low.

The transfer deadline is Thursday March 26, and Still is seeking to make a couple of signings.

His priority is cover for keeper Lee Harrison and he's also maintained his interest in QPR striker Michael Mahoney-Johnson, who has been on loan to Brighton and watched Saturday's game.

o Barnet's home league game with Leyton Orient on Saturday April 11 is all-ticket.

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