Wealdstone manager Gordon Bartlett claims the players have the belief to mount a late promotion charge.

The Stones had a forgettable start to the season but a ten-match unbeaten run in the Ryman Premier has taken them to within five points of the play-offs.

Bartlett said: “It is the standard we expect to achieve. We under achieved for the first few months this season and gave ourselves a mountain to climb.

“Now we are climbing it at the moment but whether we have enough time to reach the play-offs I don’t know. But the important thing is the belief is there.”

The Stones defeated league leaders Sutton United 2-1 on Saturday after a last-minute winner from Lee Chappell. Peter Dean headed home his 20th goal of the season before Sutton pegged them back.

Wealdstone drew 0-0 at home to Tonbridge Angels on Monday night but were left to rue a penalty miss from Dean in injury time.

Bartlett said: “If you had told me we would have got seven points after playing the Harrow derby and then the leaders and Tonbridge, I would have bitten your hand off. But we could have had nine points. You have to look at the positives and we are ten games unbeaten and on a good run.

“We have been playing with a lot of confidence in the last few months. I was pleased with the side’s character against Sutton and there was a little bit of payback after losing an injury time goal in the away match there this season.”

Watford striker Gavin Massey was handed his debut in the draw after joining the club on loan for the rest of the season.

“He will only get better with time,” Bartlett added.

“He made a lively start and had a couple of shots early on. He was obviously looking to make an impact. But this is a different type of football he is used to and he was up against one of the best defences in the league so it was a good learning curve.”

The Stones travel to Aveley tomorrow and Bartlett has emphasised the importance of picking up results against the struggling sides.

He said: “We have got some very important games coming up. It is all well and good taking points off the top sides but we need to take points against teams that are lower down the table. We can’t take any game for granted.”