Sutton & Epsom coach Jeff Parsons believes his side’s clash with Havant on Saturday could be a defining moment of the season.

They go into the game knowing there is still have a chance of promotion from a tight London Division One South.

Sutton & Epsom are fourth, level on points with third place Sidcup, four behind second place Chobham and eight behind leaders Wimbledon.

The league winners go up automatically while second place enters a play-off meaning the season run-in is crucial.

Parsons said: “We really need to win this one if we’re going to stay in the title race and in the play-off chase.

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Coming through: Craig Bellringer moves through the Hove defence last weekend as Sutton & Epsom claim another vital win

“Havant are a good side and we’re going to have to play well the whole game if we’re going to win.

“It’s a must win game and we could really do with a bonus point as well.”

He added: “We’re going to play like we have nothing to lose and we need to start notching up wins if we’re going to be in those top places.”

They face Havant off the back of a 55-29 victory over bottom placed Hove.

Despite the victory, Parsons was frustrated by the four tries they conceded in the second half.

He said: “It was a mixed bag to be honest, the attacking play was superb and we got some really good tries.

“Unfortunately defensively it was a bit lapse and the players seemed to rest up a bit after going ahead.

“It was frustrating, but it was as frustrating for the boys as it was for the coaches.”

He added: “As a team we need to put together good performances for 80 minutes and we only put in about 40 or 50 minutes against Hove.

“We will need to better against the better teams because it’s not good enough and the boys expect more from themselves.”

Parsons, who has no new injuries to contend with, is looking to put the work in at training to address his disappointment.

He said: “The team is in pretty good shape and we’re going to up the intensity levels in training to make sure that we get it right this week.”