Reaction from Spalding United manager Jimmy Dean after their home draw with Alvechurch

Defiant manager Jimmy Dean insists Spalding United's play-off dreams haven't died despite being held to a frustrating goalless stalemate on Saturday.

The Tulips remain four points adrift of a coveted top five place in the Southern League Premier Division Central after a 0-0 draw with Alvechurch at the weekend.

Results elsewhere on Saturday meant that, although Spalding didn't make up much ground, they didn't lose any either.

Fifth-placed Stamford shared the spoils with Stratford Town - who are in sixth spot - while Harborough in seventh suffered a surprise home defeat to lowly St Ives.

It means that it's still all to play for according to manager Dean whose side have matches remaining at AFC Sudbury on Saturday before a home Easter Monday derby with Stamford which is followed by the season finale at Barwell.

The Spalding manager said: "I was expecting to be holding my hands up after Saturday and saying it was done but I really don't think it is.

"Harborough lost at home and the other teams drew and we've still got to play Stamford at home.

"We can't give up yet and while it is still like it is.

"Our focus is on what we do and we were sure that if we won our last four games then we would sneak in.

"We obviously can't do that now so all we can do is try and win our three games and see where that takes us.

"We've not dead. We've got three more cup finals and we're going to attack them."

All of Spalding's three remaining opponents will be equally as desperate for the points as the Tulips.

Stamford are pushing for the play-offs while both Sudbury and Barwell are batting against relegation.

Dean added: "St Ives have beaten a Harborough side on Saturday who are the best team I've seen in the league this season.

"You can see that any team can beat any team like it has been all season.

"We're still in decent form but our final three games are all against sides either fighting for their lives or fighting for promotion.

"We're exactly the same because we've still got everything to play for.

"We knew that we needed three points last weekend and it will be no different on Saturday because, if we win, then we will still be chasing it.

"It's the business end of the season and we've got to win games."

Spalding have lost just once in the last eight league matches and are eighth in the table.