Jimmy Quinn insists Lewes could have won Ryman League division one south with the side he had last season.

The Rooks were promoted as champions of division two last year but Quinn believes that team would have set the first division alight.

However, a number of key players such as Sam Francis, Paul Thomsett and Justin Harris have since left the club while influential midfielder Paul Stokes has been ruled out for the season through injury.

The side Quinn has rebuilt has done pretty well and a midweek 2-1 win at Corinthian Casuals moved them back to within three points of Bognor in the second promotion spot.

However, the fact that Lewes recently went nine games without a win reflects how open the division is.

Quinn said: "We have been quite consistent right through the season. That is the only bad run we have had.

"It seems everyone has had a bad run at some stage. Bromley beat us and didn't really deserve to. That stretched their unbeaten run to 15 games but I said at the time they wouldn't carry on winning and since then they have lost five on the trot.

"Windsor came with a great run but then they started dropping points.

"It is quite surprising to have such a bad run as we did and still be in there.

"I honestly believe if we had last year's team we would be ahead in the league by now and looking to win the title. We were much stronger last year."

Rooks have nine games left, starting with a trip to Leatherhead and followed by a visit to Worthing on Tuesday.

A tough run-in to the season includes back-to-back Sussex derbies at home to Horsham and Worthing, followed by a trip to Bognor in the penultimate game of the season before finishing at home to Windsor and Eton.

Quinn said: "We have still got some chasing to do. We are really only concentrating on the next game.

"Leatheread are a good side and their league position doesn't tell the truth about them. We are chasing and if we lose we give ourselves a lot to do.

"Carshalton and Bognor are still the teams to catch and experience could be the key. Carshalton have more experience than we have. Bognor have been in this league for quite some time and know what it is all about."

Quinn is hoping to sign a new striker tonight and he could figure tomorrow.

Chris Dickson and Paul Kennett are both doubtful with ankle knocks and Matt Allen is out for the rest of the season. However, Graham Harper returns from suspension and Joe Clark could make a comeback from a long-term back injury in the reserves tomorrow.

Horsham striker Gavin Geddes has been told his season is virtually over after chipping a bone in a foot.

Geddes will miss four weeks, leaving new boy Steffan Ball to spearhead the Horsham attack along with Dave Flemming.

Hornets are out of the promotion race but have a key part to play in who goes up.

They visit Lewes on Easter Monday and finish the season with a home game against current leaders Carshalton.