Nathan Elder scored to help Tonbridge retain their Ryman League, Premier Division status after a dramatic 3-3 draw at Billericay last Saturday.

And the striker, who is on loan from Dover, could yet make the move to Longmead a permanent one.

Elder’s contract with the Vanarama Conference side expires at the end of the season and Angels boss Steve McKimm would love to keep him.

McKimm said: “Nathan has just done so much in his short time with us. His influence on and off the field and around the squad has been immense.

“You see so many former Football League players waltz around and not put it in when they play non-league football but nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to Nathan.

“His mentality and his ethic is unquestionable – it’s been a pleasure having him here and there is no question I’d love to keep him.

“I’ll be doing everything I can to try and sort a package out to make that happen.

“Signing Nathan would be a real coup for us and it would give us something to build on next season.”

Elder refused to rule out a permanent move either and said: “I have loved my time here and enjoy playing for Steve.

“He is so passionate about the club and the game. That’s what you need to see as a player, a manager with that much passion.

“I was buzzing after we stayed up last week and enjoyed helping the lads do it.

“A permanent move is certainly an option as far as I am concerned as I am enjoying my football and the club is not far from home. We will just have to wait and see.”

McKimm’s side finish the season at home to Dulwich on Saturday but they only just avoided facing a nervous final day.

They led 3-0 at Billericay through goals from Mitchell Pinnock, Elder and substitute Dee Okojie before the home side scored three times in the final five minutes.

There was still time for Pinnock to see a penalty saved in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

McKimm said: “My players were excellent for 85 minutes and they (Billericay) never looked like scoring. But football is funny game and Billericay stunned us.

“Nothing is over until the final whistle blows and we will learn from those final five minutes.”