Met Police chief Jimmy Cooper reckons the fact he has players of midfielder Matt Pattison’s calibre to call on is a sign his men are on course for a Ryman Premier League play-off place come the end of the season.

The former Kingstonian man was a second half substitute on Tuesday night as goals from Bradley Hudson-Odoi, Ryan James and Michael Charles secured a 3-0 win over Hampton & Richmond Borough at Imber Court.

Met Police, up to sixth in the table, could have won by more on the night and Cooper reckons his side, who travel to fourth placed Dulwich Hamlet on Saturday, are hitting the sort of form to challenge the division’s best.

“I don’t think we are in a false position. After this amount of games the league table does not lie," he said.

“That is even wins and one draw in the league at home this season. We are a footballing side and the pitch plays to our strengths here.

“We are in a position where we can challenge for the play-offs this year if we can keep injuries to a minimum. We are where we are deservedly.

He added: “We’ve got strength in depth. What a player Matt Pattison is to have coming off the bench?

“Steve Sutherland, who is ill, would otherwise be playing and Will Salmon is coming back from injury, too.”

Cooper is likely to strengthen his squad further with news Nigel Neita is training with the club having left Billericay Town.

And there was the return of another familiar face back at Imber Court on Tuesday.

Veteran defender Jay Lovett started against the Beavers having signed on a dual-registration deal from Eastbourne Borough hours before the game and he made light of a near two-year absence from the Blues starting lineup.

“I only thought it was a year ago when he left, but it was nearly two years ago and most of the boys didn’t know him,” added Cooper.

“I had to explain to them that he is 37 years old and not 57.

“He was absolutely phenomenal. Eastbourne did us a big favour and I’d love him to play more games for us.”