Johnson Hippolyte was appointed as Maidenhead United manager in 2006

Maidenhead United manager Johnson Hippolyte says his team will not go into Saturday's key final league game against Dartford playing for a draw.

The Magpies need just a point to ensure Blue Square Bet South survival.

But Hippolyte told BBC Berkshire: "I never set up to draw. You end up with egg on your face if they score late.

"We're nearly there. The boys have been on a great run over the last three weeks and we just need to finish it off with at least a point on Saturday."

Maidenhead currently stand three points clear of the relegation places, with Thurrock behind them hoping to escape.

If Maidenhead lose to Dartford, a win for Thurrock at Farnborough will send the Magpies down.

Hippolyte said they will pay some attention to the Thurrock match.

"I'm not going to have a phone to my ear," he explained. "We'll play our game and I'm sure at half time somebody will tell us what they're doing.

"But it's about us, carrying on what we've done recently.

"We've won four and drawn three and, if we take that form into the game, then we'll be fine."

Hippolyte has tasted success in the past, in particular as manager of Yeading when they reached the third round of the FA Cup in 2005, playing Newcastle United.

But he thinks avoiding relegation this season with Maidenhead would feel every bit as good.

"This will be right up there with all of that because it's been a really tough season for loads of reasons.

"We'll make sure we get through it and have a good old brandy on Saturday night."

Hippolyte vows to remain in charge at Maidenhead whatever this weekend's outcome.

"I spoke to the chairman when things were really bad and it looked like we were down after losing to Lewes.

"He wants to stick by me and I've never been a quitter. So I'd say it's 99.9 per cent that I'll still be at Maidenhead next year."

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