CHIPSTEAD boss John Hamsher is targeting a push for the play-offs after seeing his side thrash local rivals Merstham 4-1 on New Year's Day.
The Chips ran riot at Moatside, with substitute Duane Antonio scoring twice in the last 15 minutes to put the seal on a great derby day victory, which was especially pleasing for Hamsher against his old club.
However, the Chips boss says his young side can still get better as they look to push on in 2013 for a place in the end of season play-offs.
"We want the play-offs," he said.
"I think if we put a little run together, we are capable of it, but we are still a young side.
"We will just keep our feet on the ground and go about it quietly as we know all games in this league are tough.
"We know we will have to work hard to get there, and we will, we will prepare for each game properly and see where it takes us."
Nothing has demonstrated the unforgiving nature of the Ryman League Division One South more than the Chips' festive run of fixtures, which has seen them take on two of the division's top five teams before their derby date with the Moatsiders.
But Hamsher said he was delighted with his side's efforts, adding that they fully deserved their win against Merstham.
"The boys did really well here, as they have over the whole of the Christmas period," he said.
"We may have been beaten twice [by Dulwich Hamlet and Leatherhead], but I take my hat off to the lads.
"I don't think there was much difference between us in those games, and against Leatherhead they had two chances and scored two goals.
"Against Merstham we showed that we are a good team though and we have a young side, who are going to take time."
Meanwhile, Hamsher praised his two-goal hero Antonio, who added to first half goals from Jason Henry and Jason Goodchild to complete a good away day for the Chips.
"He has something about him," said Hamsher.
"He is only young, like a lot of them, but he did well [against Merstham]."
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old striker said he was delighted to start the new year with a win and a couple of goals, adding that he was enjoying life at Chipstead.
"I love it down here," he said.
"The management, the coaching staff, everything is perfect.
"I am happier here than I have ever been at any other club and I instantly felt it was the right place for me."
And Antonio, who joined the Chips from Hanworth Villa last month, said he felt things were turning for the better.
"We have gone through a bit," he said.
"But John has always said to us to play football and it will come, and now it is starting to come for us."
