BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent assistant boss Tom Rothery believes his side are capable of challenging for the play-offs.

The North Road club are ninth in Ryman League division one north and just six points behind fifth-placed AFC Sudbury.

A run of just one defeat in 13 games has driven them up the table and after snatching a last-gasp draw against Waltham Abbey on Saturday, they will be in high spirits for this weekend’s home showdown against Dereham.

“Realistically, finishing anywhere in the top half would be a massive achievement,” said Rothery, who works alongside first-team boss James Webster.

“But I genuinely believe we can make the play-offs and it wouldn’t feel right saying anything different.

“If you don’t set your standards high and strive for the best, what’s the point in turning up?

“I firmly believe we’re good enough.

“I’ve seen every team bar one now and there are some very good, experienced players in this league.

“However, we’ve also got quality players of our own and they’ve all been outstanding, not just in matches but in terms of their commitment and professionalism.

“We’ve been competitive in all but one of our league matches, when we lost 5-1 at Chatham back in August.”