FORWARD-THINKING boss Graham Hodder is determined to keep Selby Town’s season alive for as long as possible.

The Robins are fighting a seemingly forlorn battle against relegation from the Northern Counties East League premier division.

However, Hodder is refusing to accept defeat until survival is mathematically impossible as he tries to build a winning mentality at Flaxley Road.

There is also the matter of tonight’s third round League Cup tie at Nostell Miners Welfare, with a knockout run offering a welcome break from the club’s league toils.

“The League Cup is our last chance of winning anything this season, but I wouldn’t say it is a way of salvaging something from the season,” said Hodder, pictured.

“I think the season is being salvaged now because players have come into the club and we’ve got people wanting to play.

“The rebuilding is starting now. We are going the right way.”

Saturday’s 4-0 league defeat at promotion-chasing Retford United left Town trailing second-from- bottom Maltby Main by five points with only six games remaining.

Lincoln Moorlands Railway are a further four points and one place clear of Hodder’s side.

However, the manager – the club’s third boss of the season – is heartened by the spirit of his squad.

“The effort the lads put in even when they were 4-0 down at Retford was superb,” he said.

“The scoreline was a bit false. We created chances and had a lot of pressure. The spirit is still there. The players are enjoying their football.”

He added: “There is no point thinking we are going to get relegated and that we are already doomed. You can’t do that.

“We will keep battling and see what happens.”

Meanwhile, Selby have signed former Northern Ireland under-17s Halifax Town goalkeeper Ciaran Gibson from Yorkshire Amateur.

His arrival follows the recruitment of centre-back Jamie Hainsworth, also from Yorkshire Amateur.