TONY CARSS has seen much in his eight-club career, but nothing like the passion which underpins Town's big promotion challenge.

The 28-year-old midfield player has been taken aback by the commitment and the character which has been developing all season among the McAlpine squad.

"There is loads of character, loads of passion and the great thing for me is that we play some very good football as well," said Carss, who signed in the summer from Oldham Athletic with the express intention of winning promotion this term.

"I think we've created some superb chances and goals in the proper way - by getting the ball down and passing it - and the workrate is immense.

"The thing which struck me most about Tuesday's win at Northampton was the consistency we showed for the whole 90 minutes.

"We haven't done that too often and it was a massive, massive victory for the club - one of our best away from home all season."

Carss believes Town "will go strongly" into their final three matches, starting against Hull City at the sell-out KC Stadium on Saturday and culminating against Mansfield (at home) and Cheltenham on the final day of the campaign.

"There is a five-point gap which puts pressure on those behind us, but we can't take anything for granted and we just have to keep going," he said.

Leading challengers Torquay finish their season against teams in mid-table.

Saturday's trip to Cheltenham is followed by a home clash with Kidderminster and a final-day trip to Southend.

Lincoln City, six points behind Town with three to play, are at home to Darlington this weekend.

A week on Saturday they travel to Bristol Rovers and then complete their season on May 8 against Yeovil at Sincil Bank.

Hull are still hoping Jason Price might recover from hamstring problems to rejoin the squad for Town's visit. Town won the McAlpine meeting 3-1.