Walton & Hersham boss Chuck Martini has revealed the incentive behind his side’s strong start to the Ryman Division One South campaign – hard cash.
 

The Swans, who exited the FA Trophy on Saturday with a 2-1 defeat to Brentwood Town, are third in the table having won four of their opening six games thus far.
 

They include impressive wins over promotion favourites Dulwich Hamlet, Maidstone United and big spending Merstham.
 

And the Stompond Lane chief, who saw a 35 per cent cut in his playing budget in the summer, believes the credit goes to the players – in more ways than one.
 

“The budget cut was to be expected, but the players
decided they want to play for the club irrespective of money and they have risen to the occasion,” he said.
 

“October is a massive month for us.  We play six league games and by the end of the month we’ll have a good idea of how we will do in this league.

“If we can maintain our position in the league by the end of the month then the chairman has said there might be a little bit more in the pot for the players and the management. That is the incentive.”
 

Graeme Purdy gave his side the lead on Saturday, but the Swans were downed by two second-half goals from the visitors.
 

And Martini knows where the extra cash would be useful.
 

“We’re scoring plenty of goals, but it is the other end where we have a problem. I’m definitely in the market for an experienced defender,” he added.