BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent boss Tom Rothery is refusing to rule out a dramatic play-off push this season.

The R's had been languishing in the Bostik League premier division's relegation zone but a run of five wins from six games has seen them climb to 16th.

After the weekend's matches they were eight points above the drop zone but only nine adrift of the top five, with at least one game in hand on most sides above.

"Worthing (in sixth) are the only side we can't catch at the moment, either through one victory or winning our games in hand," said Rothery.

"We're back in the pack and I'm so pleased about that, because I've never seen us a bottom-three side.

"I've always thought of us as a mid to top-half team at least and while I may be biased, I'm not deluded.

"With our strongest squad available, I think we should be sitting comfortably in the table.

"We haven't got targets (in terms of the play-offs) but if we can have another good month and with momentum behind us who knows?

"Brightlingsea have shown in the past that when they've got that momentum, they're capable of extraordinary things."

Aaron Condon scored a last-gasp winner as Regent pipped Bishop's Stortford 1-0 on Saturday.

It was his fifth goal in three games and the side's fifth win in six, having also seen off Burgess Hill Town, Leatherhead, Corinthian Casuals and AFC Hornchurch.

"It just shows what a massive role confidence plays," said the R's boss.

"We're scoring more goals now and also at important times.

"Our mentality and belief is better this season, compared to last, and we're winning games that could go either way, where it's fine margins.

"It's helping to create a confidence and buzz around the club and a real feeling of momentum.

"The boys are playing with swagger and belief and it was an unbelievable feeling to win on Saturday.

"You don't get that from any other avenue and that's why you have to savour it and strive for more.

"It's very easy to get on a bad run in football but much harder to keep a good one going.

"You have to keep doing the right things and working even harder."