Barry Stevens reveals morale is at a season-high after Carshalton Athletic moved back into the Ryman Premier play-off places last weekend.

Saturday’s 4-0 win at Billericay Town hoisted the Robins up to fifth in the table, and saw Francis Vine’s men hit their 19th goal in the past five games.

And midfielder Stevens reckons it was simply a matter of time until Vines got his message across.

He said: “We have a proper squad again now, and Francis has bought in all the players that he wants.

“All of the players have got used to each other and our form has improved from there.

“When Hayden left everybody was wondering whether they would be the next to go, but that has settled down now.

“I think we can safely say that Dartford will win the league, but there is no reason why this squad cannot make the play-offs.”

Richard Jolly, Craig Faulconbridge, David Ray and Kenny Beaney were on target at Billericay as the Robins continued their recent goal frenzy.

And Stevens is under no illusions over the reason for the strike rate.

He added: “I think we have the best pair of forwards in the league - no question.

“Last year, Richard had to carry a lot of the weight on his shoulders, but now there is a real partnership.

“Others are chipping in with goals as well and we always think we are capable of scoring.”

Carshalton travel to Canvey Island this weekend as they look to strengthen their league position.

And Stevens is expecting another tough challenge.

He added: “Canvey are going well and it will be a difficult game.

“The league is a bit deceiving at the moment as teams have a lot of games in hand and all we can do is keep on winning.”

Carshalton Athletic’s next three matches: Nov 14 Canvey Island (a), 17 Hastings United (h), 21 Weston-Super-Mare (FAT, a)