Grantham Town are facing relegation if they lose to Wellingborough Town in the Northern Premier League

Manager Nathan Arnold wants his Grantham Town players to perform with pride in their final five games of the season.

The Gingerbreads could be relegated from the Northern Premier League Midlands Division this weekend.

They are 14 points adrift of safety ahead of Saturday's home game with Wellingborough Town at the Meres.

A first league win since mid-October wouldn't even be enough to save Grantham from the drop if Bedworth United gained a positive points return from their home match with Loughborough Students.

It's been the culmination of a difficult season for Grantham who appointed Arnold as their new manager in December.

He said: "We've got to strike the balance between being not too emotional and being a realist.

"Realistically, we've fallen short because we've not been good enough but, at the same time, there has been evidence in games but it's the hope that kills you.

"We will keep fighting and keep going. It's about pride and playing for the badge and the people of Grantham.

"I just feel for everybody connected with Grantham because this football club has huge potential.

"It's a sleeping giant and, one day, it will turn around and have its good days back.

"It's why I'm manager and it's my responsibility to make sure that the club is in a healthy place."

The former Lincoln City and Grimsby Town player has yet to taste success as Town boss after replacing chairman Paul Rawden at the helm following the departure of Louis Bland.

Arnold added: "We are where we are and we have to own that and take accountability.

"There is a reason why we haven't won since October and I look at myself about it every week.

"The results are what they are but I look at the process of it.

"I genuinely think that, with the levels of performances that we've got to, we should be on a lot more points than we are.

"For whatever reason, whether it's a lack of experience, naivety, self sabotage or good opposition, we have come on the wrong side of it.

"There have been several occasions recently where we have beaten ourselves."

Relegation is likely to see Grantham drop down to the United Counties League where they would be up against near neighbours Harrowby United.

Arnold now wants the players to show in the final five games that they want to be part of his plans for next season.

He commented: "I can only apologise to the supporters on behalf of everybody because it's been really tough.

"We have good intentions to be as competitive as we can and the lads have given us absolutely everything but we've just fallen a bit short.

"It's also about playing for their futures as well now. We're in a situation where we're starting to look sideways with one eye on next season.

"You have to look at the bigger picture. I've got a good, honest bunch and the challenge for the players is to see if they can take the learning from it.

"If they can, they will be better for the experiences which is something we need to monitor closely."

After Saturday's home match, Grantham travel to Corby Town next weekend before matches against Darlaston and Long Eaton over the Easter holidays. They complete their campaign at home to Bedworth on Saturday, April 26.