Boss Martin Allen admits that avoiding relegation with Cheltenham Town this season would be his greatest achievement in management.

Allen kept Brentford up against the odds at the end of the 2004-05 campaign and guided them into the Coca-Cola League One play-offs the following season.

He also guided the West London club to the fifth round of the FA Cup twice in succession before joining MK Dons, who he also took into the play-offs, this time in League Two. But he says keeping struggling Cheltenham in League One for another year would rank as his finest accomplishment.

"I have had some special times, but this would be the best achievement and the highlight for me without a shadow of a doubt," Allen said ahead of tonight's derby clash at Bristol Rovers.

"I am not a patient man and it's been a real test, but it's been how I expected it to be here and you have to make sure you don't get suicidal when you fall below the safety line.

"When everyone is fit and confident, we will win games and we will climb the table."

Cheltenham make the short trip to the Memorial Stadium without a win in seven games after surrendering two-goal lead in the last 12 minutes against Brighton on Saturday and having to settle for a 2-2 draw.

They have won only three of their last 18 league games since enjoying a 2-1 win over Rovers in Allen's first game on September 16.

Allen believes his players deserve a positive result after several bright performances have gone unrewarded.

"I want some points for them because they have worked so hard and put in the dedication," he said. "I want them to get that joyous feeling of winning a match, getting some points and then we can get rolling."

Cheltenham had to withstand immense pressure from Rovers at Whaddon Road earlier in the season, but held on for victory.

And Allen is eyeing a first win double of the season in Bristol this evening.

He said: "It's an opportunity for us to do the double. I sat down and looked at the table on Sunday and it can change so quickly.

"But when you win you don't pop the champagne and when you lose you don't pop the pills."