Blues boss Jimmy Cooper has labelled the Ryman Premier League fixture schedule as ridiculous and has warned the current table is not reflection of who the division’s promotion contenders are.

Met Police have recovered from a slow start to the campaign to secure four wins from six league games in October to surge up to 14th in the table.

But Cooper believes it will take until well into January for any team to feel confident they have a shot at promotion, because of the way the fixtures have fallen this term.

The Imber Court club have already faced Dulwich Hamlet, Lewes, Bognor Regis Town and Billericay Town twice already this season with many other clubs in a similar boat.

Second placed Hampton & Richmond Borough have played Dulwich Hamlet, Lewes, Harrow Borough and Wingate & Finchley twice.

While play-off chasing Kingstonian have played Leiston, Leatherhead, Harrow Borough and Hendon home and away.

It may see some club’s loading their playing budget for later in the campaign, meaning teams in the lower reaches may well be stronger come the run-in.

“The scheduling has been ridiculous with the way they have staggered the start of the season,” he said.

“The table is certainly not a fair reflection of the relative strength of some of the teams.

“We haven’t even played some teams, but have played other clubs twice already.

“I don’t think things will start to become clear until mid-January and even then there could still be plenty of teams well in with a shout.”

Sam Page’s first half header ended a run of three league draws as Ks knocked Ryman Premier League title chasers Leiston off their stride on Saturday.

The former Sutton United defender struck two minutes before half time and boss Tommy Williams’ men secured a sixth cleansheet and eighth win of the league campaign prior to Wednesday 0-0 draw at Leatherhead.

Williams has always wanted more goals from his defenders and assistant Graham Harper reckons they are getting there.

“We played better in the first half than in the second,” he said.

“Getting our centre halves to score a bit more has been on the agenda and Sam Page has chipped in with a couple now. We are really pleased with everyone.”

Kingstonian head to Leatherhead again in the FA Trophy first qualifying round on Saturday.