Steve McKimm has broken his silence about Tonbridge’s promotion prospects, claiming everyone involved with the club would be disappointed if they fell short of making a challenge after the campaign they have had.

Third-placed Angels have only spent two weeks outside the Ryman League, Premier Division play-off places since August but missed the chance to move within five points of leaders Hampton & Richmond with Tuesday’s shock 1-0 loss at home to Met Police.

The defeat followed back-to-back wins in the previous seven days, 3-1 in midweek against play-off chasing Enfield and then 4-3 over Wingate & Finchley last Saturday, when Tonbridge came from 3-0 down to triumph.

McKimm said: “It was just a step too far for us, after the amount of energy we had put in to winning against Enfield and then coming back on Saturday. It had been a mammoth effort. We just ran out of ideas a bit. We weren’t good enough on the night.”

Angels are eight points off the top and six clear of the play-off chasing pack and McKimm said: “I’ve not spoken about it before but we have seven games to go and in the position we’re in, we have got to be looking at the play-offs.

“This is the business end of the season. I know me, the players, fans and club would be disappointed if we didn’t make it from here. We’ve been in the top-five since October. The play-offs are a lottery but you have to make sure you get there first.”

On Saturday, Angels head to Suffolk to face Leiston, who are sixth, six points behind Tonbridge.

McKimm admitted: “Leiston is not a happy hunting ground for us. We lost there comfortably last year, they beat us at home with the last kick of the game and we also lost there in the FA Cup in a game where we lost Tom Phipp and Tommy Whitnell to injuries which has a big impact.

“We will be as resolute as we can and hopefully can come away with a positive result to take us into the final six games.”