Award-winning Langney Sports boss Garry Wilson has warned fans not to expect a promotion dash for the Premier Division despite a purple-patch run of form.

Wilson was this week named the Eastern Division manager of the month after guiding his men to nine matches without defeat and into eighth position in the table before today's game at Spalding United.

Sports had won six on the spin before they were held to a goalless draw at St Leonards on New Year's Day.

He said: "We're not contenders for promotion. This team is not good enough at the moment to mount a challenge. We've got a number of tough games coming up against sides that have stronger squads than us.

"This was always earmarked as a season for consolidation and I cannot see us maintaining this form until the end of the season. Only teams that win championships can do that. If we were to finish in eighth at the end of the season I'd be very happy."

Sports have bridged the gap from County League to Dr Martens League football with relative ease, although they did suffer an indifferent start.

Wilson believes the cornerstone of their recent spurt of form has been the new level of consistency.

Wilson said: "The boys used to only really be tested by the likes of Burgess Hill, Saltdean and Horsham YMCA but in this division we're tested almost every week. We cannot get away with easing off because there are sides in this league that will punish you dearly."

Coach Nick Greenwood added: "You can play a side in the lower reaches of the division and take the lead, but the opponents are always capable of coming from behind and winning. That was never the case in the County League against the lower sides.

"With no disrespect to the County League, we are playing more proper football now. Some of the games at that level are decided before even kicking-off. That is not the case in this division."

Wilson dedicated the award to his team and backroom staff like Greenwood and physio Ray Tuppen, saying: "They all deserve the accolade. I am just a part of the puzzle."