IAN Butterworth has called on his Hartlepool United players to provide one last push for glory.

And he firmly believes there's every chance Pools will be crowned League Two champions come 5pm tonight.

Pools meet Bristol Rovers at Victoria Park knowing they must better the result of Walsall at Swindon to finish top of the pile.

That's the simple mathematics, but added to the equation is Rovers' own aim - they must better Stockport's result at Darlington to make sure of a play-off spot.

Swindon have to beat Pools' title rivals Walsall to make sure of automatic promotion, with fourth-placed MK Dons near-certainties to beat Accrington Stanley.

Three weeks ago today, Pools celebrated promotion and a sold-out Victoria Park - Rovers have taken up their full allocation of Rink End tickets - expects.

"At the start of the season we targeted promotion - that was the aim,'' said assistant manager Butterworth. "We got that a few weeks ago, but it wasn't a case of job done, we wanted to go on and win the league.

"That's the aim and the target. We've been on a fantastic run of results and I'm sure that at the start of the season if we had been offered the chance to win the league going into the last game of the season we would have taken it.

"Someone could win the league this season with 91 points, which would be a phenomenal total. We've been on a superb run of results, with a lot of victories.

"Mission promotion was accomplished and now we've a massive game which we are all up for.

"We want one last push, one last big effort, and then let's see. Last week knocked us back, but there were always going to be ups and downs. Let's see what we can do on Saturday.''

Pools lost at Rochdale last week, ending the game with nine men after Richie Barker and Andy Monkhouse were red-carded.

After being backed by 3,000 at Spotland, Butterworth admitted: "The ground will be full and there will be a great atmosphere.

"Look at our fans last week at Rochdale, we didn't quite let them down as such, but we didn't give them what they hoped for, yet they still gave us a standing ovation at the end.

"It was disappointing to go there with such a great support and not give them the win they wanted.

"Two weeks ago Walsall were down because they lost and we were clear at the top; now we are behind them. But why can't it turn around again this time?

"We have a difficult game - they are coming here with a job to do and have an aim, but so do we.

"We are confident. The pressure is on them more than us. Their season could come to an end if they lose, but we are already up.

"Swindon is a tough game for Walsall, they can't rely on MK Dons losing to Accrington can they? MK Dons could easily turn around the goal difference as well.

"There are a lot of permutations, but all that matters is us winning. It's been a fantastic season whatever happens, we all know that.''

Walsall moved top on goal difference last week, their 1-0 win over Wrexham putting them in top spot.

Both sides are on 88 points - Pools are already three points better off than their previous best tally of 85 achieved in 2002/3.

Twelve months ago both teams were relegated from League One but have hit back in style.

"It's not in our hands on Saturday, we can only do what we have to do,'' said Butterworth.

"It's the sort of day you want to be involved in, everyone is desperate to play in this sort of game.

"Everyone is looking forward to it, there's no danger of anyone not relishing the task. Everyone is in great spirits and we cannot fault them.

"There's been a superb reaction to last week's result at Rochdale - let's hope we can get the right result this week.

"There's a lot to play for on the last weekend and it promises to be an exciting one. We have to win the game and hope Swindon get something from Walsall.

"I'm sure everyone in the ground will be tuning into their radios and getting text messages galore, but all we can do is concentrate and what we need to do. I'm sure we will hear the crowd's noise and reaction.''

Come 5pm tonight, Victoria Park could witness the biggest reaction of them all.

Pools have issued a reminder to fans to stay off the pitch.

A statement read: "It has been organised for the players to return to the field after the final whistle but this will not go ahead if fans encroach on to the playing area.

"We urge all fans to remain in the stands so that everybody can enjoy a celebration of a good season of football at Victoria Park.''