Welling United manager Ryan Maxwell says it’s no fluke to be top of the table after 16 games as he discusses Isthmian Premier title challenge

Ryan Maxwell believes Welling United are genuine title contenders after returning to the top of the Isthmian Premier.

The Wings moved back to the summit with a sparkling 3-1 win at St Albans on Saturday.

Kaan Bennett’s double and a Fumnaya Shomotun strike sent Maxwell’s side two points clear of Enfield and they bid to strengthen their position at bottom side Whitehawk tonight.

Welling started the campaign with play-off ambitions after last season’s great escape from relegation but, after 16 games, their current league position is no accident.

They’ve already built a 13-point lead over eighth-placed St Albans, with the play-offs extended down to seventh for the first time.

“I think that gap is significant because the realistic remit here was to threaten a play-off place,” said boss Maxwell.

“We’re comfortably in that bracket right now and for me personally that was a line in the sand and a realistic goal.

“But now we’re fully focused on the top spot because you have to be. It’s where we are, and that’s the only goal that I’m thinking of currently.

“I think you have to keep things relative but also you have to be aware of where you’re at.

“At this stage of the season it’s no fluke. You won’t be anywhere by fluke with 16 games gone.

“It’s a third of the season and you will be where you’re at and you’ll have an idea of the league and what you’re competing against. I’m certainly aware of where we are.”

Maxwell had told his players not to spend time looking at the table and instead concentrate on the football.

He feels that’s the best way to maintain a championship challenge, while encouraging fans to enjoy the ride after Welling’s transformation from relegation candidates last year.

“I suppose there’s an interest in the table