Tooting & Mitcham boss Billy Smith admitted to being a relieved man after his title-chasing side scraped a crucial 1-0 win at Chipstead on Saturday.
Smith had Jon Henry-Hayden to thank for a priceless three points, the striker's second-half effort keeping the Terrors in touch with leaders Dover Athletic's at the top of Ryman Division One South.
But Smith conceded it was not been a flowing display from his side.
He said: "I was concerned before the game because Chipstead are in a good run of form at the moment.
"We were second best in the first half but we managed to change things around at half time.
"We missed a lot of chances that could have made the game easier. But, at the end of the day, three points are three points."
Once again the Terrors had their rock-solid defence to thank for keeping the hosts at bay.
And after keeping an eighth clean sheet in their past 10 games, Smith lavished praise on his backline.
He added: "I have been preaching all season about the importance of clean sheets.
"We cannot score three or four goals every game but if we keep clean sheets we will keep picking up points.
"If we keep plugging away up front I am more than confident about us at the back."
Strugglers Whitstable Town visit on Saturday as Tooting attempt to maintain their promotion push.
Smith added: "We played Whitstable earlier in the season and, to be honest, we absolutely destroyed them.
"Although I expect us to win, we cannot go into any game expecting it to be easy. When you are at the top everyone is trying so hard to beat you.
"So, for us, it is all about keeping our composure and playing like we know we can."
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