Garry Thompson believes a perfect home record is the key if City are to launch a late dash for the play-offs.

Thompson’s goal against Wycombe on Tuesday sealed their first league win at Valley Parade in six attempts and raised the mood ahead of back-to-back games there against Bristol Rovers and Southend.

City still have it all to do to claw back a seven-point deficit and sneak into the top seven. There is no margin for error with only eight games to go.

But with five of them on their own turf – and the four after Saturday all against sides in the leading pack – the striker has not given it up.

He said: “Having our fans behind us is always a help and while the home pitch isn’t the best at times, having so many games here has to be a good thing.

“The win over Wycombe was important but we want nine points from this run of three home games. I would like to think we set a standard that we can match for the rest of the season – if we do that, we will have a chance.

“The fans went home happy and there’s no reason why we can’t go on a run and get ourselves back in contention.

“The big thing in our favour is the teams we have to play, especially at home. If we win those then we draw the others towards us.

“There is nothing better than arriving late in the play-offs as it means you have momentum. The form team often comes out on top.”

Phil Parkinson cleared the air after Saturday’s costly 4-1 loss at Exeter, bringing the players into training the next day for a team meeting to point out where they had gone wrong.

Thompson hopes that their response in midweek showed that the manager’s criticism had hit home.

He added: “We were really pleased with not only the win but also the performance.

“A few choice words were said after the defeat at Exeter. We all knew we hadn’t been good enough down there so it was important that we bounced back.

“I thought we did that and thoroughly deserved the win.

“I can’t recall Wycombe having a shot on target all night, while we could have scored more than once if the ball had bounced our way a bit more.

“We had to be pleased overall, especially as it keeps us in touch. We know there is quite a bit of ground to make up but Wycombe was a start.”