IT'S crunch time on and off the pitch for County striker Julian Alsop this week.

The Exiles face a crucial seven days with three games left to secure a place in the Blue Square South play-offs while Alsop also has a third baby on the way and various accountancy exams to worry about at university.

"It's a bit hectic to say the least, but that's the way I like it," said the 34-year-old.

"It's a vital week but all the lads are confident we can get the three wins we need to get into the play-offs.

"Last season we ran out of legs and it was horrible," he added.

"Nobody wants to go through that again and the gaffer has said that it's down to us more experienced players to guide the younger ones through it."

County entertain second-placed Eastbourne Borough this afternoon, Thurrock on Monday night and Fisher Athletic next Saturday and they could be Alsop's final three games as a footballer.

The former Swansea City forward has hinted before that this could be his last season in the game and if that's the case, he's determined to go out on a high.

"I still haven't made up my mind if I'm going to call it a day," he said.

"I've had a half-decent career. I've enjoyed every minute of it and I have got a lot of other things going on so it's just a case of seeing how it goes at the moment.

"I'll sit down with the gaffer at the end of the season and discuss it.

"If this is my last season then what better way to go out than to see County in the Conference?

"That's what the manager said he wanted when he signed me so it'll be a case of job done and he can buy me a pint for once."

Alsop has been a terrace favourite since his arrival at Spytty Park from Forest Green Rovers in July 2006 and he praised the County fans for their support over the last two years.

"Everywhere I've gone I've always got on well with the supporters and it's the same with County," he said.

"We have a decent relationship because I give 100%, I don't take any rubbish from anyone and I like to have a beer and a chat with them after the game.

"This is a big club with a big fan base. They deserve to have a Conference side and hopefully we can achieve that this year.

"The support has been unbelievable in the last few games away from home and the lads really appreciate that."

Alsop was rested for the win at Cambridge City on Tuesday night and he's desperate to play his part this week and in the play-offs, should County book their place.

"I was gutted to miss out on Tuesday but it turned out to be the right decision. We won the game and, in hindsight it's probably done me a lot of good.

"I'd love to be at the heart of the action this week but whatever his decision I'll back the manager 100% and if I'm not playing I'll be cheering the lads on from the sidelines," he said.