Wealdstone can loosen the shackles after reaching manager Gordon Bartlett's points target to avoid relegation, but they must not lose their spirit and work-ethic.

The Stones reached Bartlett's 42-point target after a 3-1 win over St Albans City but will be pushing on to maintain their top half standing.

However, they have more freedom to express themselves in the final games after a run of one defeat in 15 matches.

Bartlett said: “It sets us up for the final quarter of the season. We're going to have a huge bearing on the promotion places and I think we've had one defeat in 15.

“We've been fighting to get those points and maybe we can play with a little bit more freedom.

“Our number one priority is to keep it tight and disciplined but we can be a bit more attacking. We mustn't lose the spirit and work-ethic.

“We must maintain that as well as taking the shackles off and be more attacking.”

The Stones face a relegation-threatened Bishops Stortford on Saturday and Bartlett is expecting a difficult encounter.

He added: “I'm expecting a scrap. Their performances over recent games have led to three close encounters.

“They're going to be fighting for their lives. It's about us trying to extend the run further. Our run-in is predominantly against the top sides in the league but this will be tough for different reasons.”