Met Police boss Jimmy Cooper admitted his side’s FA Trophy exit paves the way for a Ryman Premier League play-off push.

The Blues crashed 2-1 at Maidstone United in the third qualifying round on Saturday, despite a man of the match display from Bradley Hudson-Odoi and a first goal from new striker Dean Bown.

Cooper’s side sit just outside the play-off places having made a good start to the campaign and the manager does not want his men to waste their chance.

“I thought we were the better side across the 90 minutes and deserved something out of the game,” said Cooper.

“We will now look to focus on securing a play-off place for the remainder of the season and build on the great start the boys have had.”

Bown bagged a double as the Blues, who host Canvey Island tomorrow, came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw at AFC Hornchruch on Tuesday night.