Esher stand-in coach Chris Kibble is talking psychologically in the battle to secure second place in National League One.

Following Saturday’s 43-26 win over bottom club Cambridge, which keeps Esher in third, Kibble praised the young guns who are keeping their season alive.

Ealing are the runaway leaders, while Blaydon are just two points ahead of Esher in second.

Kibble said: “We want to keep up our momentum until the end of the season and we’re desperate for that second spot.

“Finishing third or below is psychologically damaging. But finishing second would set us up for a good summer, and have the boys confident they can go one better next season.”

After the international break, Esher travel to Coventry with Kibble hoping their walking wounded of Kris Chesney, Luke Daniels and Ian Kench will be back.

However, their absence has given the younger guns an opportunity.

Kibble said: “Jack Cooke and Toby Guyett got their first team debuts on Saturday and they did well. We want them to get experience without affecting momentum.”

Cooke, Patrick O’Grady (two), Ollie Mines (two), Chris Elder and Richard Smart got the tries against Cambridge, while Elder also kicked four conversions.