Hampton & Richmond Borough skipper Charlie Moone insists the club can still claim a play-off place – but admits it is more likely to happen next season.

The Beavers currently sit 13 in the Ryman Premier Division, and could make inroad on the top five if they win their games in hand.

Moone believes overhauling their rivals for a place in the end of season lottery is not beyond them, but acknowledges it will be near enough improbable all the same.

He said: “I think we have to be realistic. This is a hard league, and there are so many games, with something like 15 or more left to play, so it’s going to be a demanding schedule.

“If we get a run of form, then obviously we can hit play-offs, but I think we’re looking to build something longer term. Obviously that’s why the players are sticking around.

“So I think this season is just give it our best and see where it takes us. We’ve had some great results, but I think next season will actually be a target of play-offs.”

Although Moone is daunted to find himself one of the more senior players in the dressing room at the age of 25, he isn’t letting it faze him in his role as captain.

He added: “I’m one of the senior players, which is a bit scary being 25. But I'm always happy to captain the side., and to the lead the team out is a great feeling.”

Moone may have hit more than 30 goals this season, but it was strike partner Dave Tarpey who took over scoring this week with a brace in Saturday's 3-2 defeat at Harrow Borough, and the equaliser in Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Cray Wanderers.

New keeper Liam Stone, filling in for the ill Rodney Chiweshe, made his second debut for the club, having previously appeared once for the Beavers back in 2011 before leaving for spells with Chertsey, Carshalton and Uxbridge among others.

Making his first debut, meanwhile, was midfielder Jack Barton, the former Aldershot, Camberley and Kingstonian man having signed on dual registration from Gosport Borough.

Hampton now have four home games in 10 days, starting with the visits of Leiston tomorrow and AFC Hornchurch on Tuesday night.