DEFENDER Steve Cook admits Cherries' crunch clash with sixth-placed Reading tomorrow is "make or break" for their late play-off surge. 

Cherries, who sit 10th in the Championship and level on points with fellow chasers Nottingham Forest, Brighton and Ipswich, trail the Royals by five points ahead of their date with destiny at Dean Court. 

And with such a key fixture rapidly approaching, the centre-half believes Cherries can fulfil their ambitions - as long as they can get a result against their rivals. 

Asked whether he believed Cherries could make the top six, Cook told the Daily Echo: "I would say so.

"It is in our own hands and you would like to think so with the form we're in but we'll have a clearer indication tomorrow night. 

"I think it is make or break really."