When Jim Cooper took over the Met Police reins nine years ago, he overheard a rival manager say “We’ve got Met next. That’s an easy three points”.

Now, with the Imber Court outfit sitting in the Ryman Premier Division play-offs, Cooper knows that is no longer the case.

A 3-2 win over Bognor Regis on Wednesday night, on the back of Saturday’s 2-1 win at Margate, has Met two points clear of sixth spot, with three games to play.

Your Local Guardian: Met v Bognor 

BANG: Charlie Collins fires home for Met Police against Bognor Regis Town

And with the teams around them having to play each other in the run-in, Cooper said their destiny is in their own hands, but they are staying relaxed about it.

He said: “About four weeks ago we wrote off the play-offs. The players relaxed, the pressure was off.

“Since then they have enjoyed playing their normal football. They realise they have a chance of making the play-offs, but I still tell them if we make the play-offs, we do. If we don’t, we don’t. There is no pressure.”

Your Local Guardian: Jim Cooper

Jim Cooper: "We have respect from other teams who nine years ago considered us an easy three points. That’s not the case now.”

Charlie Collins bagged a brace against Bognor, while Dave Knight’s winner was his eighth goal in 11 games. Cooper, who welcomes back Duran Reynolds, Gary MacDonald and Ty Smith for the Concord match, insists he will be content with the season whatever the outcome.

“We are the highest Surrey-based club at this level. We reached the FA Cup first round proper. “We’ve had a cracking season.” he said.

“On a personal note, I like that we are not the easy touch we used to be. We have respect from other teams who nine years ago considered us an easy three points. That’s not the case now.”