JIM DIXON is pleased the momentum created by his team's recent winning run has ensured they are now looking down on Sutton and Epsom and Old Colfeians.
They were the two London one sides keeping 'Stoke in the relegation zone, despite the recent successes over Thanet and London Nigerians.
It was against Sutton and Epsom in December that 'Stoke began their mini-revival, which was followed by the latest success at Old Albanians on Saturday.
A defeat by high-flying Worthing has been the only blemish in Basingstoke's last five fixtures, but Dixon thinks his side are on a roll and can continue their push upwards.
The 'Stoke player-coach said: "It's good that we are now putting pressure on the teams above us.
"The gap between us all is now very slim, so there's no real room for mistakes.
"The boys know that anyway. We're not the sort of guys who can sit back and anticipate getting good results just because our form has improved.
"We have to keep working hard as there's still a long way to go. We all know what's needed and there is a willingness in the squad to do it.
"We've built a bit of momentum and confidence, but it needs to carry on. There are still mistakes in our passages of play that better teams will punish."
Dixon admitted he didn't look at the table in 2004 but has given it a glance recently.
"We were right on Sutton and Old Colfs' tails.
"After Saturday's success, I think we will finish above them, providing we keep going as we are and focus on getting our displays right.
"If we do that, the league position will take care of itself."
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