Steve McKimm feels Tonbridge are a surprise package in the Bostik Premier - despite their recent wobble.

Angels topped the table in a flying start to the campaign and go into Christmas firmly in the play-off mix.

Six defeats in their past 10 games have hit their title chances - but no one expected them to be near the top anyway.

McKimm said: "We took 22 points from our first 10 games and 10 from the next 10.

"We've had a disastrous 10 games but we're still in a good position.

"After last season, how many people would have expected us to be in the top five for the first 20 games? If they're honest with themselves, not many.

"We had a good start but we never ran away with ourselves and said we were going to win the title. It's not going to happen.

"We've got a squad of 16 and we will struggle with that all season.

"When I brought one in I had to let two go because of the finances we've got.

"We held a golf day to make money for our 12th man scheme. That's the way it is.

"People need a reality check of what we did in the first 10 games and we're still up there despite the last 10.

"We said if we were around it at Christmas we've got a chance to kick on and get in the play-offs.

"We've had a meeting with the players and they're all agreed we've got a great chance to kick on and do something with our season. It's a very tight league."

Tonbridge, who won 1-0 at Cheriton Road in August, are looking to complete the double over Kent rivals Folkestone on Boxing Day.

Angels have been a target for Neil Cugley over the past couple of years, with the Invicta boss making various comments about their budget.

McKimm said: "We're apparently a big club with a big budget - that's what we always get.

"We know what we've got, we're an open book and if anyone wants to ask me rather than go to the press, I will tell them straight.

"We've had it for the last couple of years but I don't lose any sleep over it.

"It's his prerogative what he wants to say.

"I'd rather talk about games and players.

"It'll be a tough game - we're very limited on numbers."