Danny Sleath insists Boston United still have the potential to haul themselves into Blue Square Bet North play-off contention.

Another encouraging display was to no avail as the Pilgrims lost 3-2 at Colwyn Bay on Tuesday night.

Sleath's stunning strike gave the visitors a half-time lead before substitute Karl Noon levelled early in the second half.

Marc Newsham immediately restored Boston's lead, but Shelton Payne and a late strike from Noon gave the Seagulls all three points.

After picking up four points against Nuneaton and Corby, Tuesday's defeat left United 11 points behind Gainsborough Trinity in the final play-off place. A top five spot is looking a long shot at best, but Sleath is refusing to give up.

Pointing to the recent improved performances and a change in formation, the former Ilkeston midfielder reckons Boston are capable of stringing wins together.

"Maybe the play-offs are a bit of a long shot, but if you don't aim for it, you'll never get there," declared Sleath, who is eyeing three points in Saturday's home clash with Worcester (3pm).

"The last three games are perhaps the best we've played all season.

"We've been playing with a 4-3-3 formation, with three smaller players (Spencer Weir-Daley, Ben Fairclough and Marc Newsham) up top.

"Without Jason (Lee) in the side, we've had to keep the ball on the floor rather than going long early and it seems to be suiting us.

"I really think we've got the potential to put some wins together."

However, after shipping three goals at Colwyn, Sleath admits the Pilgrims need to tighten up at the back.

"If you score two goals away from home, you need to be looking at getting something out of the game," he added.

"We're still conceding silly goals. To be fair, two of Colwyn Bay's goals were really good, but generally we were a bit sloppy at the back."

Saturday's opponents Worcester were the Pilgrims' bogey side last season, knocking United out of the FA Cup and winning 2-0 in the league.

"I believe Worcester like to play good football and they're going for the play-offs too," said Sleath. "But we seem to perform better against those sides so we'll go into the game with confidence.

"Although we lost the other night, the belief is still there because we're playing well at the moment."

That assessment is shared by joint-manager Lee Canoville.

"At the moment, the lads are very positive. I think they are starting to realise what we want from them," said the player-boss.

"We have gone to having three up top and we have some clever players up there.

"In midfield, the lads are playing well and working very hard. We were beginning to show signs of tightening up at the back so, all in all, the mood is good.

"We could really do with putting a run of wins together now we are playing well.

"Myself and Jason (Lee) will not stop until we find the consistency that we are looking for."

Canoville has had a difficult time personally this season with injury ruling him out of a number of games.

But a return to the starting line-up has lifted the spirits of the former Notts County defender.

"I am hoping that my injuries are behind me now," he added.