Three on the bounce. Unbeaten in five. 11 points from 15. One point out of a play-off spot.

So far so good.

I realise I’m focusing a lot on numbers lately. But it’s the numbers that are keeping me going.

I’m at the point in this season where thinking too much about intangibles will just drive me crazy.

I don’t think I’m alone either, given what Neal said about his tactics in the first half against Mansfield last weekend.

I try really hard not to get attached to particular outcomes on a season-by-season basis, except maybe avoiding relegation.

But this year I’ve let myself think about a play-off spot too much and now I’ve gone and gotten my hopes up.

The numbers give me something to hold on to. They give me reasons to believe while hope remains.

AFC Wimbledon: Ardley takes his Dons into the unknown at Notts County

And when it’s gone, the numbers give me reasonable explanations for why it didn’t work out.

Numbers are hard to argue with. They don’t really lie, although they have been known to not tell the whole truth.

I’ve said previously that part of being an AFC Wimbledon fan is defining success beyond points and table position, and on principle I still believe that.

Still. Numbers give shape to our ambition. Points behind a play-off spot.

Months until a hearing. Votes among a borough council. Days until ground is broken.

I’m perhaps unreasonably optimistic about the play-offs. I have friends who tell me I’m bonkers for getting carried away.

I don’t spend a lot of time trying to convince them. I just tell them to look at the numbers.

Three wins. Five unbeaten. 11 points. 20 games left.