Rayer led Bedford to fourth in the Championship last season

Bedford Blues coach Mike Rayer has warned his side their progress this season will mean nothing if they fall flat in the Championship play-offs.

The Blues host Birmingham & Solihull on Friday night at Goldington Road, knowing victory would edge them closer to finishing second in the table.

"I think that would be a massive achievement for us," Rayer told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"But it counts for nothing if we don't kick on in the play-offs."

Bedford have been ensconced in second position for most of the 2010-11 campaign, with Worcester constantly leading the way.

The Warriors, who have lost just once all season, are 20 points clear of the Blues and Rayer accepts his side will have to prove the pundits wrong if they are to overcome the former Premiership side.

"Nobody else seems to think [we can do it], but we're quite happy with our status at the moment," he said.

"If we can manage to secure a win against Birmingham & Solihull and sneak a bonus point then that will put us comfortably in the driving seat with one game to go to get second."

Rayer will be without wing Edd Thrower and prop Phil Boulton, who both have hand injuries, for the visit of the Midlanders.

Thrower is likely to return within a week but Boulton could be out for six weeks after a scan revealed his hand was broken.

Saracens number eight Jackson Wray, who is dual registered with Bedford, is available.

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