Sutton United boss Ernie Howe believes anything other than a win at Dorchester Town this weekend could sentence his side to the drop.

Despite a battling 0-0 draw with high-flying Eastleigh on Saturday, Sutton are still bottom of Blue Square South, five points from safety.

And Howe agrees that victory at fellow strugglers Dorchester is essential.

"There is no doubt that it is a must-win game," he said.

"Without putting too much pressure on the players, it is vital we get something.

"I feel we are making progress and improving. We just need to translate that to points."

Sutton's hard-earned point against play-off chasers Eastleigh came courtesy of a vastly improved defensive display.

Howe was delighted with his backline after last week's horror show against Havant & Waterlooville.

Keeper Kevin Davies, making his competitive Sutton debut in place of the unavailable Phil Wilson, made good saves early and late in the game, but was well protected in between.

"I thought we did enough to win the game, to be honest," said Howe. "We created a few chances and we looked tight at the back.

"We did not really give them any opportunities and it is disappointing we couldn't nick a goal. But it was a good all-round performance."

Sutton took four points from a possible nine from their three home games within a week to stay in with a shout of survival.

And Howe hopes the shoots of recovery are not appearing too late for his team.

Howe added: "There is still a good spirit in the dressing room and we still feel we can get out of this.

"I cannot criticise the players for the amount of effort they are putting in.

"We are definitely making progress and I just hope it is not a case of too little, too late."