Ian Allinson insists his Boreham Wood side have the belief they can win the Conference South title after securing a place in the play-offs.

Wood returned to the top of the table after a 2-0 win over Sutton United on Easter Monday. It was the perfect response to their 2-1 defeat at title rivals Bromley on Saturday.

The Ravens dropped off the top after being held to a 4-4 draw at Maidenhead United. But Bromley and third-placed Basingstoke Town can climb above Wood if they win their games in hand.

Manager Allinson told the club website: “Obviously nobody knows what is going to happen in the next two or three weeks.

“The league is ridiculously tight but we’ve now achieved our first objective by making the play-offs.”

The Wood boss continued: “We’re not content with that though and we’ll be trying our best to achieve more.

“This squad has an incredible attitude, an incredible discipline and an incredible desire. Most important at this stage of the season is we have the belief and we honestly think we can win it.

“It’s the best side I’ve ever managed and that’s perhaps because we all get on so well and they don’t step over the line.

“The players enjoy each other’s company, they have each other’s backs, they work hard for each other and for me they’re a pleasure to manage.”

Wood only have two league games left and the first is a trip to ninth-placed Ebbsfleet United this weekend.

Allinson, whose side were beaten 3-1 at home to United in January, said: “Prior to losing at Bromley, I had set a target of 77 points to win the league.

“That is no longer possible but we still have it all to play for. Obviously only two wins will do at this stage and even then nothing can be taken for granted, but we go to Ebbsfleet with three clean sheets in our last four games.

“It will be a tough afternoon and we will need to create chances, but we are strong at the moment and we go there in a good frame of mind.”

This match is followed by their Herts Senior Challenge Cup final against Hemel Hempstead Town at Letchworth on Tuesday night.

Wood finished their home campaign with a victory over Sutton which revived their hopes of automatic promotion.

The hosts got off to a fast start and were rewarded with the opening goal after 16 minutes. Graeme Montgomery delivered a pinpoint free-kick and Callum Reynolds sent his header into the net.

Wood spurned the chance to double their lead when Junior Morias was denied by Aaron Howe’s save and Ricky Shakes fired the follow up wide.

But the second goal arrived when Lee Angol, who had gone five games without scoring, fired a free-kick into the corner of the net.

Allinson said: “We had a couple of scares but it was all about getting a result. I was pleased for Lee Angol.

“You have to remember he is just 20 years old and this is his first ever full season of football. I have asked a lot of the lad and he has played in over 40 competitive games for me.”

It was a vital three points coming just two days after losing at Bromley. But Saturday’s game had started promisingly for the visitors after taking the lead.

Daryl McMahon’s corner was headed home by Josh Hill for the breakthrough goal.

The turning point came after 63 minutes when a controversial penalty was awarded for a challenge by Ben Nunn on Anthony Cook despite appearing to win the ball. Bromley converted the spot kick through Cook before Mark Goldberg fired home an 80th-minute winner.

Reflecting on the penalty decision, Allinson said: “It happens in football but in such massive games the referee must be 100 per cent sure, which of course he said he was.

“I beg to differ and I am not alone. The amount of time, effort, money, commitment and the work rate that teams put into a season makes it a very bitter pill to swallow.”