Mick Sullivan admits his Leatherhead squad are beginning to believe an unexpected play-off spot could be theirs as the Tanners maintain their scorching Ryman Division One South form.

A sequence of just one defeat in the last nine games, including Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with play-off bound Fleet Town, have seen Leatherhead move into the upper half of the table.

The Tanners could go eighth with victory over Merstham tonight (Thursday), with games still in hand on those sides around them, and Sullivan is eager to keep things going.

He said: “We seem to have been in tenth for a while now but if we can win on Thursday suddenly that fifth spot looks a whole lot closer.

“There has been talk in the dressing room for the last few weeks about the play-offs and the form we are in, why not?

“It is a big inspiration for everyone as it would be a fantastic achievement.

“I am mindful though not to make too much of it as the last thing I want to do is put too much pressure on the players.

“We are just concentrating on trying to win each game and taking it from there.”

The midweek point, courtesy of Greg Andrews, came on the back of a creditable 0-0 draw at third-place Folkestone on Saturday.

And the Tanners boss is delighted to have finally found the right formula.

Sullivan added: “When I came to the club there were a lot of different personalities and players and an awful lot of changes needed to be made.

“Some people may say I should have worked it out quicker, but there were a lot of little things that needed to be looked at.

“Leatherhead is a big club at this level and the supporters demand a particular style of football.

“But we are definitely getting there and the future is certainly looking bright.”

Leatherhead’s next three matches: Mar 18 Mertsham (h), 20 Sittingbourne (h), 27 Dulwich Hamlet (h )