CRAIG Edwards says Billericay Town are “incredibly motivated” to reach the Ryman League Cup final with a win against Grays Athletic tonight, as they continue to fight on three fronts this season.

Town’s 3-0 win over Witham Town in the Ryman Premier League on Monday night put them only seven points off the play-off places with games in hand on the sides above them.

They have already secured a final date next month, when they meet Concord Rangers in the Essex Senior Cup, and a win at Mill Field tonight will set up a clash with either Margate or Hendon.

Town manager Craig Edwards has never reached the Ryman League Cup final, while Billericay were trounced 4-0 by Fisher Athletic in their only final appearance to date in 2006.

But he says the players want to make it a season to remember.

“I said to the boys that we have put ourselves in a position where every game counts now. Some teams in mid-table have nothing to fight for, but we know we have a cup final at the end of the season and plenty left to play for.

“Grays are doing well and last Wednesday was what dreams are made of (player/manager Mark Bentley came on to score, save a penalty after his keeper was sent off and see Grays net a late winner against Hampton & Richmond Borough). Grays look a better side with Mark in charge and they have some talented players. I just hope he will be a mere mortal tonight!”

The Town boss described any talk of Billericay making the play-offs as “pie in the sky”, despite only being seven points off fifth placed Wingate & Finchley, who Town play on Saturday.

“It was a great first-half,” he said, after a brace from Rowan Liburd and another from Affy Obafemi saw them beat Witham. “We dropped a bit in the second half which I was disappointed at, but it was another good win and continued our home run which is terrific.

“We have a lot of games coming up in a short space of time and that is a concern. But we have won our last six at home in the league and scored 20 goals in that time, conceding only twice. If we can maintain that we will stay in the hunt.”

Edwards admitted Liburd was touch-and-go for tonight’s game at Grays after he was substituted at half-time against Witham with a tight hamstring.

But Edwards said the rest of his squad is fighting fit, after Town were waylaid by injury problems earlier in the campaign.

“We had times where there were six players out per game,” he said. “But a lot of those boys are still really fresh and that gives us a real boost heading into this busy end of season run. And I love it.”