Billy Smith reckons a change in mentality can be the key to Tooting & Mitcham reasserting their Ryman Premier play-off credentials.

After a run of six straight defeats, the Terrors hit back in fine style on Saturday, recording a 3-0 win at Bognor Regis Town.

Tooting are hoping to add to that at play-off rivals Sutton United tomorrow night (Tuesday), where Smith is once again likely to field his new 4-3-3 formation.

He said: “I felt that although we have scored quite a few goals from midfield this season we needed to have more impetus going forward.

“The ball was coming back at us far too easy when we were trying to get it up front.

“With Paul Vines and Simon Parker up front they were playing too far apart, and we were under the cosh a lot when we shouldn’t be.

“So against Dartford I decided to switch to 4-3-3 and that worked, with Simon playing just behind Paul and Mike Heverin.

“I will still take things game by game, but that seems to be our best option.”

It certainly paid dividends last weekend, with Vines (two) and Parker on target in the much-needed win.

And Smith admitted the win was a weight off everyone’s shoulders.

He added: “It was a big relief - no doubt about it.

“The club does not put me under pressure - I put myself under pressure.

“I have never been afraid to change things if they are not working and I will have no problem doing it again.”

Tooting face three home games in succession, with Maidstone, Hastings and Sutton (Surrey Cup) on the way to Imperial Fields.

But the Terrors boss has shrugged off any talk of home advantage.

Smith added: “To be honest it doesn’t seem to make a difference - in fact we have won more games away from home.

“There isn’t really an atmosphere like in years gone by and the players don’t really look forward to playing there.

“But if you keep winning games more people will come and that is our aim.”

Tooting & Mitcham’s next three matches: Dec 5 Maidstone United (h), 12 Hastings United (h), 14 Sutton United (SSC, h)