Jim Cooper stressed the importance of taking one step at a time after Met Police’s hard-fought goalless draw at Dulwich Hamlet got their play-off ambitions back on track.
It took a fine save from debutant goalkeeper Craig King in the 85th minute to ensure the Blues held on for the draw and a crucial away point at third-placed Hamlet.
Met Police, who are the only team undefeated at home in the Ryman Premier League this season, sit sixth and Cooper is hoping to guide the team into the play-off places.
Cooper said: “We have to take it one step at a time but the play-off is the main objective.
“Promotion is realistic but we have to work hard to achieve it. The main objective though is to get into the play-offs.
“Whether or not we win in the play-offs will depend on the players we have and if there are any injuries.”
The result at Dulwich was the second goalless draw between the two teams in the league this season and was watched by an impressive crowd of 1,459 fans.
It comes after two straight defeats and Cooper, who admitted the draw was a fair result, hopes his team can now build on the performance.
“Saturday was a bit of a turning point for us after a run of poor results, it was a catalyst for getting back on track and hopefully we can continue and get in the play-off places,” he said.
In Ryman Division One South, Carshalton Athletic lost 2-0 to Guernsey in a game which saw Carshalton’s Matt Males sent off for handling the ball on the line.
Jack Eden saved the resulting penalty but the goalkeeper could not prevent Guernsey’s two goals and Carshalton losing their third consecutive league game.
Walton & Hersham gained a valuable 1-1 draw against promotion-chasing Worthing. James Cottee’s first-half penalty earned them the point after Gary Ross had saved an early Worthing spot kick.
Elsewhere, Sutton United’s Conference South game against Bromley was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Kingstonian, Hampton & Richmond, Tooting & Mitcham, Walton Casuals, Corinthian Casuals, Raynes Park Vale and Colliers Wood United also saw their games fall victim to the bad weather.
Kingstonian’s game against Bognor Regis Town tonight is still scheduled to go ahead though, as is Corinthian Casuals trip to Hastings United.
Hampton host Maidstone United tomorrow, while Vale play Molesey.
