Boss Ernie Howe believes he can lead Sutton United to safety after securing his first league win since taking charge on New Year's Day.

Craig Dundas scored twice to give United a 2-1 victory over Alan Devonshire's high-flyers Hampton & Richmond Borough to secure the Gander Green Lane club's first league victory since a 2-1 success at Eastleigh - 16 games ago.

United are still seven points from safety, but Howe's men - who took four points out of six off Hampton over the festive period - can move off the bottom of the table if they beat third from bottom St Albans City on Saturday.

Howe admits the league table makes much better reading after Tuesday's vital victory.

"The league table is much easier to look at after that result - it is much better because it actually looks do-able now.

"It is important for us to get something out of the St Albans game and if we apply ourselves like we have done over Christmas there's no reason why we can't get a result.

"The win has given everyone a lot more belief and confidence, which is what we need."

Howe paid tribute to hitman Dundas after his match -winning brace on New Year's Day.

"He has worked his socks off since coming here from Carshalton," he said.

"He has got the right attitude and I think that has rubbed off on some of the players.

"We need people like Craig in our team because he gives 100 percent every time.

"He came here with his doubters but he has proven them wrong."