WILL TURL believes there is no reason why Chipstead cannot be contenders for the Ryman League Division One South title if they can maintain their early season form.
Chipstead boss Steve Baker was named Division One South manager of the month for August after the High Road team started the season with five straight wins.
The Chips have since lost to bogey team Three Bridges and then secured a win over Whitstable Town despite having nine-men for the last 35 minutes of the match.
And despite being one of the smallest clubs in the league, striker Turl believes there is no reason why Chipstead cannot aim high.
"We started the season saying we wanted to have a go at the play-offs," Turl explained. "I think that is still realistic but there is no reason why, if at Christmas we are still near the top, we can't have a go at the top.
"I think we have one of the smallest budgets in the league and we are certainly one of the smallest clubs, so even if we got close to the play-offs then that's an achievement. I definitely think we haven't played anyone yet who we've been scared of.
"I think Merstham were the best team we have played yet and in those games we have got two draws while playing not our best football. If we did play our best, then I'm confident we could have beaten those guys."
When Baker took over at High Road last winter, the team were favourites for relegation but a strong second half of the season helped Chipstead to a mid-table finish.
And Turl believes the stability in the squad over the summer has helped the team get off to a flying start.
"We kept the exact same team as last year," he said. "A lot of the time in non-league football, from one season to the next you get half the team disappearing but we have kept the same squad which has been good.
"It's meant we have improved together. We have a good squad, we've held on to our best players and gradually added one or two as well. I think our squad is stronger now than it was at the start so I don't think we are going to let up just yet."
