Alty are perched precariously above the drop-zone following Tuesday's 3-2 home defeat by Crawley and now appear to be locked in a three-way battle with Farsley and Weymouth to decide who goes down with Droylsden, Stafford and Northwich.
But, despite his team having played more games than either of their two main relegation rivals ahead of tomorrow's trip to Grays, Heathcote insists he's confident Alty will survive.
"There will no doubt be more twists and turns before the season's finished, but, overall, I'm comfortable with the way we've been applying ourselves," he said.
"Games in hand are all well and good, but we've given ourselves a fighting chance of staying up and, if we can continue to perform over the last nine games like we have since the turn of the year, with any luck we'll be OK."
Heathcote's main concern for tomorrow lies with goalkeeper Stuart Coburn, who was absent in midweek with a slight groin strain, forcing Richard Acton to deputise.
Meanwhile, doomed Droylsden, who are surely now playing only for pride as they contemplate a swift return to Blue Square North, travel to Exeter.
Third-from-bottom Northwich still have the slimmest of chances of beating the drop at Alty's expense but will have to overcome visiting Crawley to keep it that way.
Stalybridge, up to third in Blue Square North after their midweek win over Alfreton, face a big promotion battle at sixth-placed Southport.
After two defeats in a week, Hyde's chances of staying in the chase for a play-off spot would now appear to rest on them beating visiting champions-elect Kettering in a game put back to Sunday (3pm).
Relegation-bound Leigh entertain Alfreton, while UniBond Premier pacesetters Witton, who are firmly on course to switch places with the rock-bottom Railwaymen, aim to take another step towards the title and automatic promotion by following Wednesday's vital win at Gateshead with another at Guiseley.
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