Bermuda Hogges defender Kevin Richards believes they can still make the play-offs – but must beat Pittsburgh Riverhounds tomorrow night, writes Derek deChabert.

Bottom club Hogges halted their five-game losing streak last weekend with a hard-fought 2-2 draw at home to Western Mass Pioneers.

And tough-tackling Richards has not thrown in the towel just yet considering that two wins from their back-to-back matches against Riverhounds could change the whole landscape of Hogges' campaign.

"The morale in the team is good despite our recent run of form, as we have a close knit group of players," said Richards. "We're hoping to get another result tomorrow and use this as a springboard going into the end of the season.

"With the league still tight, a draw or win puts us back in contention for that final play-off spot. As long as we keep our belief we know that we have the ability to get the results we need in our remaining games to put ourselves in contention to make the play-offs."

For Hogges to achieve their goal of a play-off berth, they must first reverse their away form that has seen them lose all six of their matches.

Nine of the 16 goals they have conceded came in two games, including six against Charlotte and three against Harrisburg City.

But Richards believes they must still have faith that they can pull off mission improbable.

"We need to take the belief we have when we go out on the pitch at National Stadium and fighting for 90 minutes like we do at home on the road," he said.

"When you are on the road this can be difficult to do consistently. Two wins this weekend would add to the belief we need, and if we get them against Pittsburgh, the team directly above us, it would take us off the bottom of the table.

"We have definitely improved from last season, but our away form has let us down and our position in the table hasn't reflected our overall play."

Hogges play Riverhounds tomorrow night at –7 p.m. and Saturday at 8 p.m. Both games will be held at the National Sports Centre.