BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT assistant boss Chris Smith says his players are relishing their title push - and insists they have no reason to feel nervous.

The R’s are three points clear at the top of Ryman League division north heading into tomorrow’s match at Waltham Abbey.

They had been six points ahead of second-placed MALDON AND TIPTREE before losing at home to Thurrock last Saturday.

The Jammers won and will be hoping to keep the pressure on by winning their next match at sixth-placed Cheshunt.

However, despite the tension, Smith believes scenarios such as this one should be relished.

“I was speaking to one of our players the other day and said he shouldn’t be nervous – he should be excited,” he said.

“That’s certainly how I feel and I can’t wait for every game at the moment. We’re not under any pressure.

“Pressure is being at the other end of the table and scrapping for every point, to try and avoid relegation.

“We’ve got ourselves into a strong position and some would say we’re in the driving seat, but no-one expected us to win the league.

“At the start of the season our only goal was to be in or around the play-offs, not challenging at the top, and that’s why there’s more pressure on the likes of Maldon and Hornchurch.

“Winning the championship was their goal from the outset so anything less will be disappointing for them.

“We’re massively over-achieving and if the boys can secure a top-five spot, they’ll have more than surpassed all expectations.”

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS, buoyed by Tuesday’s victory against Wroxham, are at home to Haringey Borough tomorrow.