Alan Dowson warned his Hampton & Richmond Borough side that the Ryman Premier League is still wide open after their 5-0 win over Canvey Island.
A Nicke Kabamba hat-trick, as well as goals from Josh Casey and Tom Beere, saw the Beavers extend their lead over third-placed Tonbridge to eight points.
But Dowson insists the fight for automatic promotion is not just between Hampton and league-leaders East Thurrock United.
He said: “There are just nine weeks to go. I think once you get past the 10 barrier you start ticking these things off, you really do.
“There will be twists and turns from now to the end, that is the sort of league we are in.
“Dulwich could win eight on the spin, Tonbridge could bounce back. I really think it is tighter than what people think.”
However, if Hampton continue their fine home form they will be tough to stop, as they have won their last five at Beveree Stadium, scoring 21 goals.
After a slow start, the goals started to fly in against Canvey Island – who struggled to cope with Hampton’s, and Kabamba’s, quality.
“He showed a lot of mental character,” said Dowson.
“He missed a penalty but picked himself up. We love him here. They call him the son of Dowse, because they know I like him so much.”
Kabamba’s missed penalty inadvertently set up Casey for the first goal, as the left-back arrived to slot the ball in after the striker had put the initial rebound against the post.
Kabamba made amends minutes later, when he reacted quickest to a keeping error and buried a shot into the net from six yards.
With confidence clearly flowing more goals followed, an excellent Jerome Federico cross was nodded in by Kabamba, and Beere steered in a low shot from the edge of the box.
“I thought the 25 minutes before half time were excellent,” said Dowson.
“We were sharp, we passed the ball well, we looked good. Before that we were a bit nervous, but we came through and that is what we had to do.
“We are pleased we did that and I can’t praise the lads enough.”
Kabamba completed his hat-trick with a neat finish in the second half, and Hampton now take the momentum into Tuesday’s game at Brentwood.
Elsewhere in south west London, Sutton United retained second place in the National League South with a 3-0 win away at St Albans.
Dean Beckwith scored his first United goal, while Ryan Burge scored twice.
In the Ryman Premier League, Kingstonian scored late to beat Burgess Hill Town 1-0 and Metropolitan Police drew 2-2 with Enfield Town.
In Division One South, Walton & Hersham slumped to a disappointing 3-0 defeat at Herne Bay, Tooting & Mitcham United won 1-0 at Ramsgate and Corinthian Casuals snatched a 2-1 win at Faversham Town.
Matthew Males’ red card cost Carshalton Athletic badly against South Park, as they lost 1-0.
