AFC Sudbury striker Danny Crow says the players are ‘quietly confident’ they can still complete the great escape.

Jamie Godbold’s side are second-bottom in the Ryman League Premier Division and are effectively five points adrift of safety after claiming just a solitary point from their last 10 matches.

A 4-0 defeat at Bognor Regis Town last weekend was the sixth time they have leaked four or more goals in a game since the end of February.

They face two tough-looking games against play-off hopefuls this Easter weekend, at Tonbridge Angels tomorrow and at home to Needham Market on Monday, before concluding the campaign at lowly Canvey Island next Saturday.

To make matters worse, skipper James Baker will sit out tomorrow’s game through suspension.

“We’ve been on a really frustrating run, but the lads have kept working hard and we’ve still got to believe we can do something in these last three games to get out of this situation,” said Crow.

“We’re all hurting as players and we’re desperate to deliver for the manager and the staff because every week they send us out fully prepared. They work so hard behind the scenes.

“We seem to play really well for 20 minutes, create a lot of chances but aren’t being clinical enough – myself included. Then when we go behind we don’t seem to be able to respond, we just fold, and we all need to hold our hands up and take responsibility.

“It’s hard to put your finger on why it’s happening. I know that’s not what people want to hear, but it’s true. We’ve got to forget about the past though, learn from it and regroup for these last few games.”

He continued: “We’ve been underdogs all season, but it’s never felt like that in any of the games we’ve played.

“We need wins now, no question about it. We’re playing two teams pushing for the play-offs this weekend and they will be feeling the pressure too. If we can get our noses in front then I think it could be a different story for us.

“Anything can happen in football and I’m quietly confident we can get out of this still.”

Crow added: “We’ve had some good young players make an impact recently. Ollie Dunlop and Mehki McKenzie can hopefully help us play with less fear.”