PETER Phillips believes Cherries are in better shape than the same time last season to make their charge for the Coca-Cola League One play-offs.

Remarkably, Cherries are currently in exactly the same position as they were last term, ahead of today's visit to Wrexham, in sixth place with 60 points from 39 games.

But Sean O'Driscoll's squad suffered a poor run-in 12 months ago gleaning just six points out of a possible 21 to leave them in ninth spot and ultimately seven points adrift of the last play-off place.

But Phillips insists that the team is in better shape this time around as some supporters fear another end-of-season decline in the wake of some disappointing recent results.

Phillips said: "It seems like a case of dja vu. Last season our form slumped, so after the recent home defeats it is tempting to ask whether history is repeating itself.

"But I believe we have the best squad here in recent times and that this is the best chance this group of players will have to achieve their potential.

"I think that we are good enough to reach the play-offs, and I believe that if we do, then we are good enough to win promotion.

"A lot of it now comes down to the determination, fighting spirit and self-belief of the team and probably a little bit of luck too.

"If the players, management and fans all believe that too, then we can still lift ourselves for the final charge."

Although three straight home defeats have set the alarm bells ringing, in contrast, Cherries will be chasing their fourth consecutive success on the road today at the Racecourse Ground.

Phillips said: "It is easy to come up with excuses for the recent drop in home form.

"For example, compared to this time last year, we are without three of our most inspirational players - Carl Fletcher, Karl Broadhurst and Warren Cummings.

"The injury to Warren was perhaps the biggest recent blow. His irrepressible spirit and his ability to lift the crowd with one of those thunderous charges down the left are sorely missed.

"But there is another side to the story. Last year we didn't have Eddie Howe, John Spicer or James O'Connor.

"And thanks in part to Playershare we have been able to cover the recent defensive crisis with loanees of the quality of Matthew Mills."

Phillips also feels that four more wins could be enough for Cherries to secure their place in the end-of-season jousts with the prize of a place in the Championship up for grabs.

He said: "The way other results are going, four more wins from our last seven games may yet be enough for a place in the play-offs."

He added: "I also think most of our supporters would agree that our football this season has been of a higher quality than last year.

"We have scored almost 20 more goals and have seen displays of passing football that have been a joy to watch.

"And if there is another team in this division with a more talented midfield than Spicer, Stock, O'Connor and Elliott I have yet to see it."