By Geoff Twentyman BBC Bristol

Bristol City and Rovers fans could face some nervous weeks ahead

Bristol Rovers have 12 to go, City have eight - welcome to the make or break final run-in of the 2008/09 football season.

For me the first day of the season is very special as everybody thinks that with 46 games to go it's going to be "their year".

The final countdown is also fantastic. For so many there is still a huge amount to play for.

In recent weeks City fans have been bouncing around various football stadia full of optimism and ambition. The occasional setback has done little to detract from the spring in the stride. The Premier League remains a realistic proposition.

Rovers have had some excellent results but have been unable to move away from the middle reaches of the League One table. The Gas's position is slightly false as they have games in hand.

For both City and Rovers now is the time to show what they're made of and history points to some fairly spectacular successes and failures at this crucial time of the campaign.

1990: Rovers won four of their last five games to win a Championship.
1998: City won four and drew one of their last eight games to seal promotion.
2000: Rovers won only one of their last 10 games to miss out on the title, promotion and the play-offs.
2007: Rovers won five and drew two of their last seven games to make the play-offs and were subsequently promoted.

Weak individuals will be caught out in the pressure cooker atmosphere of the final run in Geoff Twentyman, BBC Bristol

There's no denying that the stakes are incredibly high. Supporters expectations increase year on year. The media focus and attention also get greater on an annual basis.

So what is the secret to success? A single-minded approach is essential. The only game you can affect is your own so don't worry about other teams and their results.

Winning is the name of the game - it's not about how you win, but bagging the points is key.

It has to be a case of mind over matter. Weak individuals will be caught out in the pressure cooker atmosphere of the final run in.

Some players relish the demands of "must-win" games. Others go missing.

I know from personal experience that champagne really does taste sweet when you are celebrating tangible success.

City, and to a lesser extent Rovers, have the chance to extend their seasons. As the SAS says: 'Who Dares Wins'. Strap in. I feel this could be a great ride.

Geoff presents the Twentyman Talks Back football phone-in at 1900 GMT on Fridays on BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Radio Somerset. If you missed the latest programme, listen to it now.

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