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Steve Watt admits Hythe Town are still playing catch-up but is looking forward to seeing what his squad can do in the second half of the season.
Watt has struggled to get his best side out regularly since succeeding Sam Denly as manager in September, but the situation has eased recently, and the Cannons finished 2019 with a draw and two wins.
They remain 15th in Isthmian South East, lower than Watt would like, but he believes they now have a chance to build some momentum.
He said: “We went through December unbeaten. I know it was only three games but we kept three clean sheets and we’re now starting to play the way I want us to.
“A lot of the boys I’ve brought in are used to playing at a higher level so it’s taken them a bit of time to adjust but we’re now looking solid.
“Seven points from the last nine is a good return and if we can get four from the next two games it will give us a platform to build on going into the new year.”
Town, whose last game was the 2-0 win at Ramsgate on December 21, host Faversham on New year’s Day before travelling to play-off chasing Whitehawk on Saturday.
Watt gave the players most of Christmas off and he says he hopes the break will have helped them recharge their batteries.
He added: “When you’re on a good run you want the next game to come as quickly as possible, but we had a couple of knocks and niggles after the Ramsgate game so I think the break would have been well received by the players.
“Faversham have not played since the middle of December so they are in a similar position. It will be interesting to see how the two teams react.
“Whitehawk are probably one of the favourites to go up, alongside Hastings.
“They are very dangerous going forward but we just need to look after ourselves and if we do that we’re capable of getting a result.
“When we’ve played the big sides (before) we’ve been a bit short in terms of bodies and fitness but we’re stronger now.
“We’re still trying to play catch-up so we need to get as many points on the board as quickly as we can and see where it takes us.”
Striker Frannie Collin (calf) remains Hythe’s main injury concern, while skipper Charlie Webster is back in the matchday squad after his long-term ankle problem.
Watt says it’s still too early for him to be starting games but the 23-year-old midfielder has already made his presence felt.
Watt explained: “Charlie was only on the field for a few minutes against Ramsgate but just in that short time he did things that we’ve been missing.
“He was all over the pitch. He’s the type of player who always gives you 100% whatever position he’s in and it’s great to have him back. He’s been a big miss for us.”
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