Canterbury City chairman Phil Knight has reassessed the club’s lofty ambitions after an inconsistent first season in the Vandanel Kent County League Premier Division.

City have won seven but lost six of their 14 games and are one of four teams level on 22 points in the middle third of the table.

They lie sixth and are 14 points behind leaders Stansfeld O&B club – albeit with two games in hand – but Mr Knight has scaled down the ambitions for the season.

After initially targeting a place in the promotion shake-up by the end of the season, Mr Knight says simply avoiding relegation would represent success.

In a festive message to supporters on the club’s website, Mr Knight said: "It is worth reflecting on the progress the club has made over the past 12 months.

"This time last year we were all in no doubt that our priority for 2009 had to be promotion to the Premier Division, as it was only from this level that the club could seriously consider an application for Step Five or Step Six football.

"The league table now shows us safely ensconced in the top half of the Premier Division, which is no mean feat in our first season at this level.

"Consolidating ourselves as a credible top division side must be our ambition for the remainder of the season and if we have maintained our top flight status by May, we can all consider our first three seasons an unmitigated success."

After Saturday’s home game against Hollands & Blair at Hersden fell foul of the weather, City are one of seven teams separated by just four points between third and ninth.

Mr Knight said: "All in all, the club can look back at the year with pleasure and some pride. We continue to move in the right direction and with the continued support of our fans, we hope to maintain progress next year."

City return to action on January 2 when they take on groundsharers Premier in the Inter-Regional Cup at Hersden Recreation ground.