Dulwich Hamlet boss Wayne Burnett believes the form of striker Shawn Beveney is the reason why his team are among the Ryman Division One South frontrunners - but not because of his goals.

The 24-year-old Guyanese international spent the past three months in the reserves at Champion Hill, but has scored the winner in two of his past three starts for the first team.

He found the net again in his side's 1-0 win over Chatham Town last Tuesday, a result that temporarily put Dulwich top of the table before the weekend.

And Burnett thinks the fact he had to wait for his chance has sent the right message to the rest of his squad, inspiring them to hit form.

"My players know that, if they are good enough, they will get a chance, whether they are 15 or 53 years old," he said.

"Equally, the guys in the first team know that, if they take it easy, they won't play.

"They are fully aware of my philosophy and they must perform week in, week out to keep their place in the side.

"Shawn has come in and done a good job, so I am pleased for him.

"It shows we have good strength in depth and, once we get all our players back, there will be even more competition for places."

Burnett's side have won their ast three league games to leapfrog rivals Fleet Town ahead of Saturday's fixtures, earning Hamlet's boss the division's manager of the month award.

Dulwich relinquished top spot last weekend as they were without a game ahead of crucial fortnight, which sees them face in-form Molesey and Burgess Hill Town.

And Burnett is making sure his players do not get carried away with their recent run of good form, which has come on the back of a glut of goals from the league's top-scorer Chris Dickson.

"The boys are working hard at the moment and I really can't ask for much more than that," he added.

"We have only played a quarter of the season so far, so there is still a long way to go yet and we have to keep everyone's feet on the ground.

"It is nice to be top rather than down at the bottom.

"We are playing reasonably well at the moment and long may that continue."

Meanwhile, striker Sol Pinnock has returned to Champion Hill after a spending two weeks on trial at Dario Gradi's League One outfit Crewe Alexandra.

"He had some very positive feedback but we are delighted to have him back at the club. I believe he has a very bright future in the game," said Burnett.