Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough admits it will take a miracle for his side to overhaul Carlisle United in the play-off places.

Only an unlikely series of events on the final day can allow the Stags to sneak into the top seven at United’s expense.

In order for them to go past the Blues, Mansfield need to win at Colchester United and Carlisle need to lose at Sutton United – along with a goal difference swing of eight.

The Stags would have a better chance of overtaking Salford City but again, only if Mansfield win, Salford lose at home to Gillingham and there is a goal difference swing of five.

Eighth-placed Mansfield failed to take advantage of Carlisle’s defeat to Salford when they lost 2-1 at home to Harrogate Town on Saturday.

Clough said: “We’ve fallen short in the 45th game.

“We haven’t managed to – all barring a miracle – take it to Colchester next week.

“The game rather epitomised the season we’ve had, certainly [at home].”

“We tried to win the game. We just needed a bit more conviction around the penalty area.

“We had enough situations in the first 15 minutes to get a goal, then everyone’s deflated when the own-goal went in.

“Then they get the second one and we were up against it.”

Mansfield’s manager also revealed the extent of their injury situation after they slipped up against a Harrogate side whose assistant manager is ex-Blues captain Paul Thirlwell.

Among the absentees, Elliott Hewitt has been ruled out for most of next season with a cruciate knee ligament injury.

“It’s been nine months of it, one after the other,” said Clough of Mansfield’s injuries. “Missing important players at key points through out the season.

“Despite all that we’re one victory from being in the play-offs.”

On the prospect of an improbable last-day surge into the top seven, Clough – speaking in a club interview – added: “It’s highly, highly unlikely. But we’ll go and try to win the game, as we do every game, and see what happens.

“I’m realistic. But when you’re talking about miracles, I don’t really believe in them.”

The play-off picture can also be affected by a game in League Two on Wednesday night.

Bradford City go to Crewe Alexandra in their game in hand.

The Bantams, level on points with Carlisle, are currently seventh but can jump to fifth with a win which would knock United down to sixth and Salford seventh.

Whilst it would keep Bradford in the automatic promotion race, a win for Mark Hughes' side would also leave Carlisle needing a win at Sutton United on the last day for any chance of being at home in the second leg of a play-off semi-final.