SEASON after season Redhill managers have promised promotion but never delivered.
Now, the Lobsters have the Ryman League within their grasp but after years of disappointment chairman John Park is not counting his chickens just yet.
"We are burying our heads in the sand and pretending it isn't happening," he said.
After two wins in the last week the Reds are up to second in the Sussex County League Division One – their highest league position in recent history.
And with a possible two teams getting promoted this season, things are looking up.
"We aren't that worried about Ringmer because we have quite a few games in hand over them, it's Peacehaven we are watching out for, but I think we can at least finish second," Park explained. "We have heard about the Ryman League wanting to expand their numbers but we aren't thinking about it until it happens.
"When [manager] Mike Maher took over we invested in a two-year plan, this was his first season and then we were planning on throwing everything at promotion next year."
Redhill beat Shoreham 4-0 on Saturday thanks to a brace by Chris Gregson and second-half strikes from Gavin Gordon and Lee Radford.
Then captain Jon Difford scored a 78th-minute equaliser against AFC Uckfield on Tuesday.
"Gavin Gordon headed the ball onwards after a long throw and Jon steamed through and powered the ball into the net," Park explained.
"It wasn't the best goal he's scored for the club but it was important."
And after setting up the equaliser at AFC Uckfield, striker Gordon continued his good form by bagging a last gasp winner.
The late winner moved the Reds up to second in the table with 14 games to go – just one point behind Ringmer in first, but with four games in hand.
Peacehaven were due to play Rye United last night (Wednesday), with a win moving them above Redhill and Ringmer and back into first place.
This Saturday Redhill host bottom of the table Worthing United.
