Hastings boss George Wakeling hopes his manager of the month award helps inspire his team to promotion.

Wakeling won the eastern division manager's prize after guiding his team to four consecutive victories in January and that run has put Hastings right back in contention for a promotion spot.

He said: "We have had a good run and if we can continue it then of course promotion is possible. The award was a great surprise for me, but welcome. It's taken us a little while to get used to each other.

"I made a few mistakes at first and also the players were losing matches they shouldn't have. The main problem seemed to be that we were not getting into the box enough. If you look at all the goals scored at any level, 90 per cent are scored in the box. So we have worked hard on tackling that problem and now the goals are flowing.

"Defensively we have gone from four at the back to three. When we signed Matt Ball back from Fisher it was always my aim to drop to three. There are not many better defenders at this level than Stuart Playford, Matt Ball and Tony Burt."

Wakeling believes Australian midfielder David James, who he signed under recommendation from Barnet director of football John Still, has been something of a lucky mascot.

The Hastings boss said: "He's been playing in the games during the run. David seems to have brought us some luck and I think he has showed up well for us."

Horsham boss John Maggs has already begun thinking about next season.

Maggs is certainly not wishing away the current campaign but he has earmarked a couple of potential signings for next year.

He said: "I am looking for players. I have got a couple of players in mind for next season but I will not do anything about it until the end of the season. The squad needs one or two people added to it and I will try to do something about it."

Dave Bastian is certainly in Maggs' plans but the future of the player may be out of his hands after an approach from Barking for the young left back.

The Hornets boss said: "He is one player I would not want to be leaving the club but he lives on the doorstep at Barking. The travelling has been a bit of a problem for him and Barking will be talking to him this weekend.

"It is a question of letting him have a chat with them and then see whether we can sort something out."

Horsham entertain Lewes in the Sussex Senior Cup on Monday in a match which is expected to create quite a bit of interest. Lewes have been enjoying a good season but, like Horsham, they are on the lookout for players.

This week the Rooks signed Croydon youngster Craig Rocastle, a pacy attacker who has been recommended to them.

Meanwhile, Lewes' good form this season has been noted in parliament. Local MP Norman Baker was due to be guest of honour at today's match with Abingdon Town.