Shaun Saunders has hailed the strength of his squad as Peacehaven stand on the brink of being crowned champions.

A 4-1 win at Horsham on Wednesday left the Magpies in touching distance of the Ryman south title.

Two wins from their remaining six games would formally confirm the championship.

Tomorrow Peacehaven host Whitstable Town without the suspended Jon Marzetti and the unavailable Steve Metcalf.

The Magpies also have five players dual-signed with Eastbourne United – Sean Ray, Callum Saunders, Jamie Crellin, Wes Tate and Joe Dryer – and have told the County League side they can have who they like for their FA Vase semi-final second leg with Sholing.

However, Saunders still expects to field a team capable of winning and has praised every member of his squad for chipping in this season.

The Peacehaven boss said: “I just want to get it done now. We are playing really well and the competition for places is good.

“We have a great team spirit and togetherness – and we have a great squad. It has not just been about 12 or 13 players, it has been about 18 or 20 and we are lucky to have the players we have got to cope with the demands of this league.

“It is a big step up but I have been lucky in respect of the players we have brought in have been used to playing at this level. That is no disrespect to the lads we had last year. I said all along they could play at this level but for different reasons they went their different ways and I had to build a new squad.

“I predominantly brought players who were comfortable and used to playing at this level.”

Saunders has praised committee member Andrew Melbourne after the club’s ground was this week passed for Ryman premier football.

He said: “Andrew is an unsung hero. He has worked tirelessly for the last couple of years to, firstly, get us the grading for the Ryman League and then to be able to move up a level again.”