Hampton & Richmond Borough boss Alan Devonshire admits his fear of second-season syndrome saw him swoop for Sutton United's Craig Tanner last week.

The 51-year-old manager has guided the Beavers to third in their first season in Blue Square South, seeing his side bounce back from a midweek drubbing at Braintree Town with a 2-1 win at Maidenhead United, followed by a 2-0 Middlesex Senior Cup semi-final triumph over Uxbridge on Tuesday.

Tanner made his debut in the cup success, sealed with a Lawrence Yaku brace, and Devonshire believes he cannot afford to stand still when it comes to next season.

"Whatever happens this season, we will be celebrating a big year for us because we have exceeded expectations," he said.

"We are third at the moment and, whether we make the play-offs or not, that is a massive achievement for a club this size.

"You have always got to look to the future.

"Braintree finished third last year and were in a relegation scrap after 20 games this time around. Second-year syndrome is something we have got to guard against."

Hampton eased past their pre-season target of 50 points when goals from Elliott Godfrey and Ian Hodges claimed the spoils at Maidenhead last week.

Godfrey has attracted interest from clubs higher up the pyramid this season, but Devonshire is confident he can keep his top stars at the Beveree.

"A lot of the boys have been with me for four years now and I would like to think they will show me the loyalty I have shown them," he added.

"You are never 100 per cent sure but, if any of them get an offer from a higher club, we will not stand in their way.

"I am always looking for young players looking to give it a crack at this level and that will be no different next year."