WITH nerves sure to be jangling on both sides this afternoon, Parkinson is grasping the nettle in Wanderers’ bid to get over the finish line.

Victory at Port Vale today will consign Scunthorpe United and Bradford City to the play-offs and, should third-placed Fleetwood fail to win at Gillingham, secure the second automatic promotion place for the Whites.

And with hosts Port Vale fourth from bottom, they will be desperate to climb above Bury and out of the relegation zone.

All of which makes for a day filled with apprehension for all concerned.

But Parkinson is embracing the pressure involved with being at the business end of the table, thankful that, with two games left, they are in the best position to join Sheffield United in the Championship next season.

“It’s in our hands, I think with the nature of this season and what we’ve had to deal with all along, to be in this position is fantastic and no promotion is easy,” he told The Bolton News.

“You’re always pushed because everybody in English football is fighting in every game, it’s really tough as we know. And if we do get over that finish line we know we’ll have had to earn it because we’ve had to earn every point.

“I’ve been reading (Port Vale manager) Michael Brown’s comments about how their livelihoods are on the line and things like that, we’ve got to be ready for that, first and foremost.

“I’ve been in the Port Vale environment before and I know if you’re not really up for the game it can be tough, we have to make sure we’re up for it, I’m sure we will be.”

One point from nine has allowed Fleetwood to close the gap to two points but although they are almost stumbling towards the line Parkinson expects calm heads to see his side through.

“It is the hardest thing to get over the finishing line,” he said. “We’ve worked all season to get ourselves in a terrific position and now it’s just a case of staying calm, making sure we’re really up for the game.

“It goes without saying it will be difficult because Port Vale will be fighting for their lives but also we need to show calmness as well, it’s important we take that into the last games.”