NICK Skelton says Great Wakering Rovers are entering a vital period of the season as they look to claw themselves up the table.

The defender says October and November are crunch months for Rovers, adding the Ryman North newcomers need to be out of the drop zone come the busy Christmas period.

And Skelton, who has played at Ryman North level in the past for Concord Rangers and Aveley, has backed Rovers to start picking up wins at Burroughs Park, starting with Heybridge Swifts this weekend.

“If you look at our home form over the years it has been really good,” said the 28-year-old. “That is why it is rather disappointing that we have been so poor at home this season (two draws, five losses). People used to be scared to come and play here and we want to bring those times back.

“We need to start picking up more points against sides in the middle of the table. We know a few wins for us will be enough to push us up the table and then we can play without that pressure of being down the bottom.”

Skelton missed several games with a sickness bug last month but has returned for Rovers’ last two league matches – draws against Waltham Abbey and Chatham Town.

“The togetherness is tremendous in this group,” he said, “and I believe we are getting close to where we want to be. We have shown signs of hitting form in recent weeks and I think we need to show that this weekend.

“I don’t think it is psychological as our form has been hit and miss all season but getting that first home win is important.”

Skelton said he could have left Burroughs Park in the summer, but said a massive reason in his decision to stay was manager Dan Trenkel.

“Trenks is massive for this club,” he said. “He was a huge factor in my decision to stay and I want to thank him for that. He loves this club and has built his career here and the players all appreciate his guidance.”