Sutton & Epsom head coach Martin Knights has ordered six of the best from his squad to secure their London Division One status by Christmas.

The 42-year-old teacher missed Saturday's 31-5 triumph over the Civil Service, but the Rugby Lane chief insists his side can extend its two match winning streak beyond the festive period.

Sutton twice face bottom club Thanet Wanderers and mid-table Bishop's Stortford, and will fancy their chances against mid-table Portsmouth and Basingstoke over the next two months.

Kiwi centre Brian Milne (2), fly-half Tom Williams and full-back James Gibson were on try scoring duty at the weekend with Williams adding a drop goal for good measure.

And Knights believes his squad is hitting form capable of getting six straight wins to stave off relegation fears.

"I would like to think London One status will be secure by Christmas. I feel we've turned a corner," he said.

"We are starting to do the basics well and have a better understanding of our gameplan.

"There a few established first team players in the second team, who are bashing the door down to play and there is real competition across the squad.

"We've got a couple of wins under our belts and a couple more will see us right up in to the top five or six."

Knights is hoping to have scrum-half Steve Mumford back for the weekend visit of Bishop's Stortford, but is in the market for some back-up after being forced to field winger Colin Ritchins in the number nine shirt at the weekend.

"I was offered quite a few players from agents, but it was going to prove costly so we stuck with one of our own," he added.

"We are actively looking to recruit a scrum-half because we know we need strength in depth."