Leatherhead boss Ian Hazel hailed striker Dave Stevens after the hitman's second goal in two starts since returning to Fetcham Grove sealed a vital 2-0 win over visiting Whitstable Town on Saturday.

Stevens's close-range finish proved crucial after the Tanners had been unable to build on a first-half opener from Carl Gibbs.

And Hazel admitted the return of the Tanners talisman had lifted spirits around the club.

Hazel said: "Dave is always looking to score.

"When he gets the ball, his first thought is always can I score from here?' "He is well liked by the supporters and by everybody at the club.

"He really enjoys his football here and we are delighted to have him back."

The striker's emotional return earlier this month after an unhappy spell with Metropolitan Police has coincided with a turnaround in Leatherhead's fortunes.

And, having seen his side secure rare back-to-back league wins, Hazel admitted there was a positive vibe sweeping the club.

He added: "It is nice to be looking ahead to games with confidence.

"Things looked bleak a few weeks back and, believe me, we do not want to be featuring in an end-of-season relegation scrap.

"I am sure we have enough quality in the club to steer well clear of that."

Mid-table Worthing visit on Saturday and Hazel insists it is the perfect opportunity to gauge his side's progress.

Hazel added: "It will be a good chance to see where we are at in terms of being a footballing club.

"I would like to think that we are a side on the up.

"But we need to win games to prove that.

"Worthing will give us that opportunity."