Director of rugby Mike Schmid is targeting wins in the next two matches to cement Esher's place in National League One next season.

Schmid's men host Newbury on Saturday and travel to Coventry a week later, and he believes victories in what he describes as two mini cup finals will prevent any relegation jitters.

He insists confidence is still high, despite Esher shipping 153 points in the past three games to powerhouses Exeter - in last weekend's National Trophy quarter-final cup exit - Cornish Pirates and Northampton.

Schmid said: "We had a bad day at the office at Cornish Pirates, but the performances against Exeter and Northampton were much better than the scoreline suggests.

"We always knew February would be a tough month, but I am looking for us to bounce back against Newbury and Coventry. We must treat them like mini cup finals.

"Both games will be tough but we have beaten both this season and feel they are winnable.

"We have won eight games this season and my target was always 10 to ensure we would remain in this division.

"We are on track for that with seven games to go but I don't want to get to April still needing a couple of wins to make sure we are not relegated.

"We have done well in our first season but it is still mathematically possible for us to go down.

"To win 10 games in our first season in National One would be a big accomplishment."

Schmid admits Esher paid a heavy price for mistakes in the 42-7 National Trophy defeat at Exeter.

He added: "The scoreline flattered them because we played some good rugby, especially in the second half.

"But, as I have said many times, you get punished for your mistakes at this level."

Esher have no new injures worries and hope to have Italy centre Matteo Barbini back from a broken foot available before the end of the season.