Wealdstone boss Gordon Bartlett believes a top-half finish would represent an exceptional season for the Stones after starting the season “two months after everyone else.”

The Stones saw Saturday’s home Conference South clash with Havant & Waterlooville postponed due to a waterlogged pitch – a decision Bartlett agreed with. And with Wealdstone 12 points clear of the relegation zone in 12th, Bartlett is looking up the table rather than down.

He said: “Once we get into the 40s, we will be saying, ‘Can we get into the 50s? Can we get a positive goal difference?’ “Once we are out of the relegation battle I suppose we are looking at whether or not we can get into the top half. If we can get into the top half that will have been an exceptional season for us, consdiering we started two month after everyone else,” stated Bartlett.

The Stones failed to register three points until their tenth Conference South fixture having won the Isthmian Premier Division title last season.

However, since then, Bartlett’s side have flourished.

“I have divided the season into four quarters,” explained the 59-year-old.

“The first quarter was disastrous but the second and third were good. Can we have a good final quarter, that is the question.”

Saturday’s postponement drew widespread criticism from Stones supporters but Bartlett – who admitted he was sceptical at first – fully backed the decision of referee Robert Massey-Ellis. He said: “The pitch looked perfect. I was astounded when the referee called it into question.

“But looks can be deceiving and it was very wet in some places and there were a couple of bad patches. It could have gone ahead but I can understand the decision,” added Bartlett.

Wealdstone travel to St Albans City on Saturday.