Stewart Larter has admitted his Wroxham side need to apply some pressure on those above them as they attempt to salvage their play-off ambitions against Aveley, writes Thomas Crabb.

A run of just one win in seven league games – compounded with a 1-1 draw against Heybridge Swifts on Saturday after James Fitchett's 85th minute equaliser – has seen the Yachtsmen fall further behind in the race for the Ryman North play-offs, with three points now separating themselves in seventh and Thurrock in fifth.

The recent poor results has come at the worst possible time for Larter's men in their play-off tilt, with an eight-point swing in their rivals' favour over the last five games leaving the fight for the top five places now out of their hands.

'It's been disappointing the last couple of games, especially on Saturday when we had the lead and couldn't hold on for the three points with just five minutes remaining,' Larter said.

'If you're going to be challenging for those top five places then the last couple games – where we've had the lead in both – are the ones that you want to be holding on for the three points.'

Larter also conceded there are numerous factors that could be the cause for their slump.

'There's many things you could look at,' he added.

'You can put it down to mentality; the hardest thing in any sport it getting over the line and arguably we have come up a little bit short in that aspect. A lot of the lads have also moved up from Thurlow Nunn (League) where it's only a 38-game season so fatigue comes into it as well. We have looked a little bit tired and weary of late if I'm honest and that may have cost us.'

Right-back Stephen Taylor returns against Aveley after missing Saturday's draw, although striker Nathan Stone is unavailable.